Unlocking Sustainable Development: Legacy Habitat Bank’s Contribution to Biodiversity Net Gain

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the property industry is at a difficult crossroads. Balancing development progress with ecological preservation has become a critical imperative. In this landscape, I’ve had a number of conversations now with Mark Bonner of Legacy Habitat Bank (LHB). I have been impressed with their approach to the problems we are all facing when it comes to delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on new development sites.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

In case you have been hiding under a stone for the last few months, you may not have heard – but BNG is a concept that takes us beyond mere mitigation.

It demands that development projects actively enhance nature, ensuring a net gain in biodiversity. The Environment Act 2021 mandates a minimum uplift of 10% in biodiversity for most future developments and this has now kicked in across the UK.

LHB appreciate that development can inadvertently harm ecosystems, resulting in a loss of biodiversity. Talking to their Director Mark Bonner, he has outlined to me how LHB’s approach delivers both solutions for developers and steady, rolling income for landowners.

Legacy Habitat Bank’s Role in Biodiversity Net Gain

1. Comprehensive Solutions for Developers and Landowners

From what I can see LHB’s Biodiversity Net Gain Units provide a turn-key solution for developers. They meet legal and planning obligations, delivering units to ensure the required increase in biodiversity in line with mandatory BNG guidelines and Local Planning Authority (LPA) requirements. Developers can now focus on their core competencies while LHB takes care of the intricate biodiversity management.

For landowners, LHB’s Biodiversity Net Gain Units unlock a route towards sustainable income. Landowners transform their land into valuable assets that contribute to preserving and enhancing natural habitats. Landowners work with LHB and so participate in a harmonious arrangement with developers—one where progress and preservation coexist.

2. Legacy Shield Service for Local Planning Authorities

This was one area in which I saw great potential. Can Councils benefit as landowners and deliver their own BNG units?

LPAs face unique challenges when leveraging land assets for the BNG Unit market. Finding suitable registered Responsible Bodies to enter conservation covenants can be daunting. This led to the launch of LHB’s Legacy Shield service. This is a solution that gives LPAs the ability to participate confidently and seamlessly in the off-site BNG Unit market. With complete peace of mind, LPAs work with LHB and can contribute to biodiversity enhancement while safeguarding their land assets.

3. Hassle-Free Sustainability for Developers

LHB’s solution ensures a 10% net gain even when on-site BNG Units implementation seems complex. Revolutionising the 30-year BNG management and reporting requirement, LHB takes full responsibility, allowing developers to focus on their core business.

4. Unlocking Natural Capital for Landowners

LHB empowers landowners to realize the full potential of their natural capital. By creating a diverse income stream, unlike some others in the market LHB allows retained site ownership and continued utility. Responsible use of natural resources becomes the cornerstone of the deal with landowners, linking sustainability and profitability.

Conclusion

When problems come along there are inevitably innovative souls who find ways to solve them.

I have been impressed by Legacy Habitat Bank’s commitment to Biodiversity Net Gain and the clever way in which to deliver solutions to LPA’s, developers and landowners.

It sets a new standard for property development—one that not only mitigates impacts but actively enhances nature. As planning professionals, landowners and developers, we have no choice but to embrace this future, where progress and preservation harmoniously coexist. There will be many in this marketplace, but to date I have been impressed by the product offered by LHB.

In the true BBC sense....there are other companies offering similar while not identical services. However, for more information, visit?Legacy Habitat Banks.?