Biodiversity Net Gain

Developer payments

When developers are required by planning to secure offsite Biodiversity Net Gain projects, TOE can assist - providing we do not have any concerns about the impact caused by the development, such as a impacts on proctected sites.

Meeting your Biodiversity Net Gain obligations can seem very daunting. TOE provides a complete off-set site service, from locating the right units, in the right place to registering sales and providing reports and updates as required. Knowing this element of your development is being handled by trusted, known providers gives peace of mind and security.

The planning process can take time and we understand needs can change., so TOE has a range of availble options. This service has been developed in partnership with local planning authorities.

Prior to implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain in 2024, upon receipt of funds, TOE issues a certificate which the developer can use as proof that a net gain planning condition has been discharged.

Please contact us to make an enquiry.

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Further Information for Developers

Key points

TOE is a registered charity and non-profit company with regulated financial processes.

TOE is a recognised local offsetting provider, known by Local Planning Authorities.

In Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire districts, a certificate from TOE, issued upon receipt of funds, is accepted by the LPA as evidence of the discharge of a Planning Condition.

In Cherwell, we can discuss offset requirements with developers and LPAs on a case by case basis.

TOE’s offsetting programme services include the promotion of project grants, processing applications, managing payments, supporting project delivery, inspecting outcomes against agreed management plans, maintaining records, and reporting to LPAs.

It is TOE’s role to secure the biodiversity enhancement for perpetuity (normally 30 years). Monitoring and ongoing dialogue with the landowners / managers of receptor sites focuses attention on biodiversity outcomes.

Net gain funding will be allocated to sites within the District Council area where the impact from development is located.

TOE’s standard process involves pooling deposited funds into a single pot for each district, from which project grants are drawn down on an ongoing basis. Enabling funds to be used strategically to better benefit biodiversity. TOE does not therefore match each incoming fund with a single corresponding offset site, unless by special arrangement.

The planning process

TOE’s net gain services are designed to deliver offsetting requirements stipulated in planning decision notices. In general, we do not get involved at the pre-planning stage.

If an offset requirement is placed in a Planning Condition, the developer can release funds to TOE, Once the payment is made, TOE takes on the responsibility for delivering the offset and net gain, subject to LPA approval. TOE also reserves the right not to accept funds if we have concerns about the impact site.

Programme management

If an offset requirement is placed in a Planning Condition, the developer can release funds to TOE, Once the payment is made, TOE takes on the responsibility for delivering the offset and net gain, subject to LPA approval.

Once the certificate has been issued, TOE becomes accountable directly to the Local Authority and the developer need have no further involvement or responsibility. This means that we must

Identify suitable receptor sites where required BNG can be delivered;

  • Sites are identified within the Local Authority area. For Oxford City Council, efforts will be made to deliver projects as close to the city as possible;

  • Develop a site management plan with the land-owner and ensure this is funded;

  • Put in place necessary contractual terms to cover a BNG project over a 30+ year period, including a payment schedule;

  • Ensure that the site is monitored for the lifetime of the BNG (again, 30+ years); and

  • Document the required biodiversity enhancements to the Local Authority.

Other points to note

Biodiversity Net Gain funding allocations may be matched with other net gain funding or other grant funding to support larger, more strategic projects.

Where possible, Biodiversity Net Gain funds may be banked in a ring-fenced fund for large-scale strategic habitat restoration and land purchase schemes to secure sites for long term biodiversity net gain.