Form

Record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains form

Complete this form to apply to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

Before you apply 

If you’re an agent acting on behalf of the applicant 

You must be authorised by the applicant which is either, the landowner, leaseholder or another person, to act on their behalf in an application to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development. They will need to complete an ‘authorise an agent to act on your behalf’ form. You must send this with your application form.  

If you are a representative acting on behalf of an organisation, you do not need to complete an ‘Authorise an agent’ form.  

If you are an agent acting on behalf of another person who is not the landowner or leaseholder of the gain site, you will need to confirm you have the consent of all landowners or leaseholders to record the allocation. 

How to apply 

We advise using Google Chrome to download and complete this form. 

  1. Open and download the ‘Record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development’ form. Answer the questions on the form and save it. 

  2. Create a new email using your preferred email provider and attach your completed forms. Remember to attach your completed ‘Authorise an agent to act on your behalf’ form in the same email, if you’re an agent. 

  3. In the subject line of your email type ‘Apply to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development’. 

  4. Send your email to: bng.applications@naturalengland.org.uk

Do not send your documents until we ask for them. We will not accept any handwritten application forms sent in by post. 

We will email you back requesting your statutory biodiversity metric calculation. You will have 14 days to send it. 

When to pay 

We will email you with instructions on how and when to pay. 

After we receive your documents and payment, we will aim to let you know within 6 weeks if we: 

  • need more information 
  • accept or reject your application to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development 

Withdrawals and refunds 

Once we have made a decision on your application you cannot withdraw it or apply for a refund. 

Contact us if you need help 

Telephone: 0300 060 3900

Opening times:

  • March to September - Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
  • October to February - Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

Closed on public holidays.

Find out about call charges.

Email: biodiversitynetgainenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk

We aim to reply within 10 working days.

Updates to this page

Published 12 February 2024
Last updated 16 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Opening times to helpline has changed to Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm during October and February.

  2. First published.

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