Planning applications and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) since 2 April 2024
Case reference FOI2024/01771
Received 23 October 2024
Published 31 October 2024
Request
Please may I make a Freedom of Information request relating to biodiversity net gain.
1. How many full planning applications have been made in total since 2 April 2024?
2. How many of those applications are subject to mandatory BNG (i.e. not covered by the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024), and please could you provide the application reference numbers for those?
Note that I have been advised by Idox, the planning application search provider, that there is an internal search function for BNG applications but not yet an external one, so if you use that system you are in a better position to find these than me and I would be disappointed if you tell me to find out for myself, as that involves looking at every planning application whereas you don’t need to!
Response
Please may I make a Freedom of Information request relating to biodiversity net gain.
1. How many full planning applications have been made in total since 2 April 2024?
Answer: 273
2. How many of those applications are subject to mandatory BNG (i.e. not covered by the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024), and please could you provide the application reference numbers for those?
Note that I have been advised by Idox, the planning application search provider, that there is an internal search function for BNG applications but not yet an external one, so if you use that system you are in a better position to find these than me and I would be disappointed if you tell me to find out for myself, as that involves looking at every planning application whereas you don’t need to!
Answer: The Service Area have advised the Council does not use Idox, and are in the process of updating the back office planning system to capture those applications that are subject to Biodiversity Net Gain and currently are not able to extract this information at present.
However, the Service Area have confirmed the Council has not received an application to discharge a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan at this point in time.
The Service Area have also advised weekly lists of applications are publically available on the Herefordshire Council website and can be viewed via the following link:
Planning lists and notices – Herefordshire Council
Documents
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