So what are the changes?
The amendments will take effect from 6 August 2026, provided that the development site does not contain priority habitat.
From this date:
Developments of 0.2 hectares or less will be exempt
Small development sites measuring 0.2 hectares or less will be exempt from the mandatory BNG requirements.
Short-term developments will be exempt
Short-term developments will also be exempt, provided that the planning permission relates to the whole site and the permission is granted for a period of less than five years.
Self-build and custom-build developments will no longer have a specific exemption
Self-build and custom-build developments will no longer benefit from a specific exemption from BNG.
However, the Government’s position is that these developments will typically fall within the new 0.2-hectare exemption, meaning that many smaller self-build and custom-build schemes may still not be subject to the mandatory BNG requirement.
What does this mean for developers and landowners?
While the amendments may appear relatively limited, they provide welcome clarity for those bringing forward smaller or short-term development proposals.
Greater certainty around when BNG requirements apply should help reduce uncertainty during the planning application process, support more consistent decision-making by Local Planning Authorities and, importantly, potentially help unlock more suitable development opportunities.
Get in touch!
If you are considering a development proposal and would like to understand how the changes to BNG may affect your site, please get in touch with Warner Planning to explore how we can assist. Â
Having a consultant involved in your project, is a great way to reduce the risk of errors and it can drastically speed up the timeline for achieving planning permission.
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