Important Changes to BNG for small-sites

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 removal of the existing exemption for self build and custom build development (noting that the 0.2ha rule applies)

These changes do not relax BNG requirements for developments affecting priority habitats and for applications already submitted prior to the new rules coming into effect on 6th August 2026.

A weblink to the DEFRA announcement is below:

https://defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/14/biodiversity-net-gain-amendments-and-transitional-arrangements-published/