DEFRA has announced important changes to BNG coming into effect from 6th August 2026. These changes include the following: New 0.2 hectare exemption meaning that small developments are now excluded from BNG requirements A temporary development exemption for a period of 5 years Opportunity for minor sites not exempt from the 0.2 hectare rule can now choose to proceed direct with off-site BNG (i.e. without having to demonstrate BNG through the hierarchy of on-site first) A remo