Habitat banks
Information on how habitat banks can support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Habitat banks provide an opportunity for landowners to create or enhance areas of habitat to achieve an uplift in biodiversity value, measured in biodiversity units. The biodiversity units created can then be sold and allocated to a development proposal where it is not possible or viable for the developer to achieve the required 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on-site.
Habitat banks are a useful way of helping developers to meet their BNG requirements, but also present opportunities for landowners to make use of land which is currently unused, unproductive or unsuitable for other purposes to bring in an income from their land and contribute to nature recovery.
Setting up a habitat bank
Setting up a habitat bank is a long-term commitment and investment, and it is advisable to view the Government guidance on setting up a habitat bank if you are interested.
Biodiversity units that have been created (or are intended to be created) must be secured via a legal agreement for a minimum of 30 years. Currently there are two ways to do this, through a S106 agreement with us or a Conservation Covenant with a Responsible Body.
We are keen to work proactively with landowners to support the development of habitat banks within the district by formulating and agreeing a S106. Before entering into a S106, we need to be satisfied that the habitat bank proposal is suitable, achievable and deliverable.
Typically, the S106 agreement will include steps for monitoring the habitat(s) you have created and whether the land is being managed appropriately over a minimum 30-year period. Monitoring usually takes place in years 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 when you will be required to submit monitoring information to us for review so we can ensure the habitat is progressing appropriately, a number of site visits will also take place over the 30-year period.
Habitat banks will also need to be registered with Natural England.
If you wish to set up a habitat bank with us the following fees will apply:
- a set-up fee to cover the time spend for us to review your proposal and draft the legal agreement. The cost will be based on the size and complexity of the habitat being created
- a biodiversity monitoring fee to cover the cost of monitoring the progress of the habitat creation for 30 years; the cost will be based on the size and complexity of the habitat created and can be paid in instalments
If you are interested in setting up a habitat bank, please contact our Ecology Team.
We are keen to support the development of habitat banks which sell a variety of different types of biodiversity units. However, we will not promote or encourage any particular habitat bank over another.
Purchasing habitat units
As a developer, if you cannot meet all of your BNG obligations on-site then using a habitat bank may be the most appropriate option for you.
The sale of biodiversity units is an agreement between the habitat bank owner and the developer needing to purchase units; there is no national or local set prices for units, and we cannot get involved in negotiations or purchases. It is your responsibility as a developer to seek a habitat bank suitable for your needs.
Details of available habitat banks can be found on the Biodiversity Gain Sites Register.
Habitat banks in West Berkshire
The following habitat banks have been legally secured with West Berkshire Council:
There are currently no habitat banks secured by conservation covenant in our district.
Please note we do not endorse or promote the use of particular habitat banks; it is up to you to ensure your chosen habitat bank will meet your BNG requirements.
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