Object

Representation ID: 6657

Received: 14/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust

If a net zero borough is to be created, one of the key activities will be delivery and demonstration of environmental
net gain. Environmental net gain has wider implications than biodiversity net gain (it also includes natural capital), Both environmental net gain and biodiversity net gain should be specified in the Council’s policy.
However, it is noted that there are dangers in using a habitat-based method biodiversity metric 2 or 3 to demonstrate biodiversity net gain in that it does not address living species (e.g., animals, insects). There is a danger, for example, that the habitat of the development area might be relocated and enhanced but important species lost. A detailed assessment should be made of all species present to ensure that they are not lost during development.
Due to the very high level of uncertainty in environmental net gain calculations, Beds GOVET would prefer the amount of net gain to be set at 20% for both environmental and biodiversity net gains rather than the 10% currently recommended in Government legislation. This should ideally be delivered on or within 5km of the development site and with appropriate interconnectivity between habitats.