Finding BNG Balance: The Coltham Project Case Study
The complexity of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in property development has become increasingly apparent, as evidenced by our recent Coltham project in Milton Keynes.
Over a period of 15 months, this project featured a particularly complex planning process, which we helped navigate through close collaboration with Nattergal who provided the units from their Boothby Wildland.
What became evident during this process was that BNG represents a significant risk factor for developers. The main concerns revolve around timing investments appropriately and ensuring the right units are purchased.
However, we also discovered that habitat banks face their own set of risks.
Successfully managing this relationship became the key to ensuring the project progressed smoothly and the BNG Purchase completed.
The Broader BNG Landscape
Our deep dive into Biodiversity Net Gain and Property Development has revealed just how multifaceted this space truly is. BNG has added another layer of complexity to an already complicated planning process.
Through conversations with hundreds of property developers, planning consultants, architects, ecologists, and habitat providers, we've witnessed firsthand the uncertainty surrounding this new legislation.
Everyone is trying to determine exactly what they're in for.
Balancing Different Timelines and Needs
The challenge lies in reconciling two very different worlds:
Developers are navigating slow, lengthy projects that often span years, facing multiple hurdles including planning permissions, environmental assessments, and risk management
Rewilding and habitat restoration projects represent long-term commitments aimed at improving ecosystems over 30 years, requiring upfront investment and strategic planning.
Moving Beyond Technology to Solutions
Here at Biodiversity Units UK, we initially thought a simple technology platform would be sufficient to facilitate these transactions. We were wrong. The needs are far more complex and significant than we anticipated.
This realization has led us to refocus our mission on providing developers with 'BNG Certainty' and bringing simplicity to the BNG process wherever possible.
Our experience with the Coltham project reinforced that successful BNG implementation requires not just technical solutions, but proactive relationship management between all stakeholders.
Looking Forward
As the BNG landscape continues to evolve, our focus remains on creating clarity for all parties in this complex environment.
By leveraging our experience from projects like Coltham, we aim to streamline the BNG process and help developers and habitat banks navigate this new terrain with confidence.
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