Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2026. It was answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Biodiversity

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2026 to Question 18773 on Biodiversity, whether it remains her Department's policy that biodiversity net gain applies to most development.

Answer: Most planning applications have always been exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) because they have little or no impact on nature. BNG continues to apply to many new housing and commercial developments and will be mandatory for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from November 2026. Government expects BNG to continue to play an important role in recovering nature in England while supporting the homes and infrastructure we need.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 30017
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Biodiversity
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Biodiversity: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Biodiversity
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk