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Appointing a competent person Developers overseeing small sites must designate a competent person ( referred to as the SSM ‘ user ’) to carry out a Small Sites Metric ( SSM ) assessment using the SSM tool . A competent person does not have to be an ecologist but they must have the necessary knowledge and experience in line with the British Standard Process for designing and implementing biodiversity net gain : BS 8683:2021 to perform and review SSM calculations .
SSM users should demonstrate competence in the following areas :
• Identifying pre-development habitats on the site
• Understanding management requirements for habitats to be created or enhanced in the post-development landscape design
• The Small Sites Metric can be used on projects that qualify as a minor development and on land where there are no priority habitats present . The list of priority habitats requiring conservation include , for example , ancient hedgerows , traditional orchards and lowland meadows . Larger developments should refer to The Statutory Biodiversity Metric .
How can developers achieve BNG ? Government guidance sets out three ways a developer can achieve 10 % BNG :
• They can enhance and restore biodiversity on-site ( within the red-line boundary of a development site ).
• If developers can only achieve part of their BNG on-site , they can deliver through a mixture of on-site and off-site . Developers can either make off-site biodiversity gains on their land outside the development site or buy off-site biodiversity units on the market .
• If developers cannot achieve on-site or off-site BNG , they must buy statutory biodiversity credits from the government , with the government using the revenue to invest in habitat creation in England . This must be a last resort .
• Developers can combine all three options but must follow the steps in order . This order of steps is called the biodiversity gain hierarchy .
For small site developers , particularly those with limited land availability , familiarising themselves with the details of the biodiversity gain hierarchy is key to the success of their projects achieving planning permission .
Incentives for developers BNG policy offers opportunities for innovation , especially for smaller developers . For example , incorporating green infrastructure or biodiversity-friendly design elements ( such as a wildflower roof ) can enhance a project ’ s marketability and value .
Fulfilling BNG requirements can foster collaboration , easing compliance burdens . Engaging stakeholders like landowners , ecologists , and environmental organisations early in the planning process can address potential issues . Pooling resources and expertise not only maximise biodiversity enhancement for the current project but also establish a costeffective blueprint for future developments .
Conclusion While mandatory BNG poses challenges for small development sites , it also presents opportunities for collaboration , innovation , and creative problem-solving . Recognising the intrinsic value of nature is essential for contributing positively to biodiversity conservation and ensuring its significance for current and future generations .
Find out more about how Veriforce CHAS can help your business stay compliant by calling 0345 521 9111 or visit : http :// www . chas . co . uk /
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