In early 2025, the Government invited comments on its proposals to ease Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements for small and medium developments (England only). The proposals would introduce exemptions for small sites and changes to the small sites metric (SMM), for the purpose of supporting the contribution of SME (small and medium enterprise) housebuilders to delivering important housing targets. LCNR researchers drew on extensive evidence to suggest that the changes could lead to worse outcomes for nature and for people, and would undermine the growing market for off-site BNG. The LCNR response recommended that many of the changes should not be adopted as they are currently drafted.  LCNR researchers also highlighted shortcomings in local government capacity to enforce and monitor developers’ on-site BNG commitments.