Biodiversity enhancements for developments

There are many ways to support wildlife and biodiversity in developments and urban areas.

This can include creating areas of habitats and managing them in a wildlife friendly way. This is typically delivered through landscaping plans and biodiversity net gain requirements. 

In this guidance, we are referring to individual features which provide a more specific habitat for wildlife. This can include nest boxes and hibernation features.

Why enhancements are needed

Nest boxes are needed because modern buildings tend to be well-sealed and have fewer nesting opportunities such as gaps and lifted roof tiles. Features such as log piles aim to replicate old fallen trees and forgotten corners which are less likely to be found in urban areas.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says:

“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:… minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures and incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs”

In the Bracknell Forest Local Plan, Policy LP53 Biodiversity says:

“Development proposals will be expected to…where possible, create new ecological features and incorporate provisions to maximise opportunities for biodiversity”.

The features discussed in this guidance are generally easy and inexpensive and are a great way to create new opportunities for wildlife alongside development.

When you need a biodiversity enhancement plan

Biodiversity enhancements are typically required for all major schemes and minor schemes which need an ecological assessment.

Biodiversity enhancements are secured by condition. We take a scaled approach to applying conditions, typically:

• developments of 2 dwellings or fewer, or a small non-residential development, have to submit an enhancement plan before starting work, which must be approved and complied with
• developments of 3 to 10 dwellings or larger non-residential developments have to submit an enhancement plan before starting work and an inspection report following installation
• developments of more than 10 dwellings have to submit an enhancement plan, including details of information to be provided to homeowners and an inspection report

Alternatively, enhancement plans can be submitted with the planning application. If suitable and approved with the planning permission, this removes the need to supply a further plan by condition. An inspection report may still be required by condition.

Number of features required

We expect the equivalent of:

• 1 feature per dwelling or similar sized building
• 4 to 10 features for a small block of flats or similar
• 10 to 20 features for a larger scheme such as a large block of flats, office or industrial building

Swift bricks should be a priority in all schemes (see details below).

The features do not have to be laid out as one per dwelling. For example, a scheme for 4 new dwellings could include 3 swift bricks on one of the dwellings and a stag beetle loggery in the communal open space.

The features must be in addition to any agreed mitigation requirements. For example, if a bat box is required to mitigate for the loss of a bat roost, the enhancement features must be additional to that box.

In addition, hedgehog gaps should be included in close-board fencing, walls or other solid boundary features between 2 gardens or between gardens and other green spaces.

Producing an enhancement plan

You must provide:

• a plan showing the location of features (on site plan and elevations drawings)
• details on the specification of the features, including if boxes are to be integrated or retrofitted
• details on the height and aspect for installation
• management requirements for the features
• a brief summary of how the proposed features support local wildlife - consider local species records where possible when choosing enhancements
• if the condition requires it, a letter or leaflet which will be distributed to new home-owners - this should explain the features included at the site, why they are important and the need to keep them

Keep the report short and avoid repeating information submitted elsewhere (such as the full overall ecological assessment of the site, or landscaping and habitat management details which are included in separate plans).

Enhancement features

The below guidance relates to some common and easily implemented biodiversity enhancements. If different, bespoke enhancements are required or planned, provide reasons for the choices made and provide references to guidance or best practice followed in developing the scheme.

Bird and bat boxes

Priority should be given wherever possible to integrated boxes or bricks over features installed retrospectively onto buildings or trees. These are likely to be longer-lasting. 

For further guidance on integrated boxes see British Standard BS42021:2022 - “Integral nest boxes. Selection and installation for new developments. Specification”.

Boxes should be made of woodcrete whenever possible, as this material is more durable than wood.