Consultation: LCNR response on a BNG exemption for brownfield sites

Output - Consultation

Graffiti wall behind grass and other plants
Sandy Millar on Unsplash
Consultation LCNR supported Policy engagement for nature recovery
Download the response

2026

This is LCNR’s response to the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs consultation on an exemption from Biodiversity Net Gain for residential brownfield development, issued in April 2026.  The Centre sets out objections to the proposed exemption, including the risk of undermining statutory nature obligations and emerging private nature finance markets, as well as creating a new regulatory definition that would have a negative impact on nature outcomes.  The proposal fails to take account of the value of brownfield sites for nature, which benefit biodiversity as well as human populations.

Open our response in a new page

Related Research Themes

Policy engagement for nature recovery

We work with policy-makers to foster effective approaches to nature recovery, using the Centre's unique evidence-base and compelling stories about nature and its value to society.

Related Projects

Photo by Jeremy Waterhouse: https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-and-black-excavator-on-green-field-near-leafless-trees-12063807/

Coordinating Research Around Biodiversity Net Gain

At its heart, BNG frames a challenging question: in a world where new housing, workplaces and other land use needs are deemed essential; is it possible to provide this infrastructure without Nature bearing the brunt of the costs?