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Habitat Banks

What is a Habitat Bank?

A habitat bank is an area of land that is managed to create, enhance and maintain habitats for wildlife. The increase in biodiversity value of the site is measured using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, and the ‘biodiversity units’ generated can be sold to developers so that they can achieve biodiversity net gain.

Why create a habitat bank?

Creating a habitat bank can:

  • Provide land managers with an additional source of revenue.
  • Generate income from land that may otherwise be less productive.
  • Secure investment in nature recovery and wildlife conservation.
  • Support delivery of measures identified within the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
  • Help developers meet mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
  • Deliver environmental improvements alongside existing land management objectives.

How to set up a Habitat Bank?

Before applying, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with DEFRA's guidance for land managers:

Early engagement with a suitably qualified ecologist is also strongly recommended.

To establish a Habitat Bank, the land must be legally secured for a minimum of 30 years, which can be achieved through either:

  • A Section 106 Agreement with Stroud District Council; or
  • A Conservation Covenant with a responsible body.

Before biodiversity units can be allocated or sold, the site must be registered on be registered on the National Gain Site Register. The following information will need to be prepared before registration:

Apply to create a Habitat Bank with Stroud District Council

Stroud District Council operates a two-stage application process for Habitat Banks secured through a Section 106 Agreement.

Stage Information normally required (additional information may be requested) Fee

1. Expression of Interest 
The Local Planning Authority (LPA) undertakes an initial feasibility assessment to identify any issues that could prevent the site from operating as a Habitat Bank.

If the initial feasibility assessment is approved, the applicant is invited to proceed to stage 2. 
  • Name of landowner and/or tenant.
  • Confirmation of land ownership (up-to-date Land Registry Title and Land Registry Plan) and, where applicable, copies of tenancy agreements, leases or details of any other interests in the land.
  • Contact details (email address and telephone number).
  • Name, address, grid reference(s), and location plan of the proposed Habitat Bank, with known constraints identified (for example designated sites, irreplaceable habitat and protected species).
  • Declaration of land interests, including any conflicting consents, licences, permissions, legal constraints or policy requirements.
  • Confirmation that the proposal is additional to habitat creation or enhancement required by other schemes (for example Environmental Land Management Schemes, carbon credits or other environmental markets).
  • Site information, including size, current land use and any preliminary baseline habitat survey information.
  • Overview of proposed habitats to be created and/or enhanced.Outline methodology for the proposed habitat creation or enhancement works.

 

 

 £581 exc. VAT

2. Full Habitat Bank Application
Stage 2 is a detailed technical assessment. It is an iterative process and typically requires documents to be revised and resubmitted before they can be approved.

Relevant officers and organisations may be consulted, including (but not limited to):

  • Landscape Officer
  • Conservation Officer
  • Flood and Drainage Officers
  • Gloucestershire County Council Historic Environment Record
  • Environment Agency
  • Natural England
  • Forestry England

The application fee includes:

  • 1 site visit
  • 1 meeting
  • 2 Biodiversity Metric reviews
  • 2 Ecological Impact Assessment reviews
  • 3 HMMP reviews
  • 5 specialist consultations
  • 2 Heads of Terms / draft Section 106 reviews

Once all Stage 2 documents have been approved, the Council's solicitors will be instructed to prepare and complete the Section 106 Agreement to secure implementation of the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) and payment of Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring fees.
  • UKHab Habitat Survey and BNG Condition Assessments undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Statutory Biodiversity Metric
  • Baseline Habitat Plan
  • Post-Intervention Habitat Plan
  • Details of how Local Nature Recovery Strategy measures will be implemented where relevant.
  • Soil/Geological/Hydrological information (where relevant)
  • Draft Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
  • Proof of additional consents if required (e.g. Planning Permission, Ordinary Watercourse Consent, Flood Risk Activity Permit)
  • Financial Business Plan and Credit Check - to demonstrate that capital costs can be met, sufficient funds in place to manage and monitor the proposals for a minimum of 30-years, and provide a clear plan of how/when biodiversity units would be delivered/sold
  • Heads of Terms - to agree to enter a S106 with the council to implement the HMMP and pay the council’s BNG monitoring fee for duration of 30-year period. The applicant must agree to bear legal costs of the LPA
  £2,004 plus VAT

Additional Charges

The standard fee covers a reasonable level of officer review, meetings and site visits.

Where proposals require significant additional review, meetings or site visits beyond those included within the standard fee, additional officer time may be charged at: £48.40 per hour plus VAT

Applicants are also responsible for:

  • The Council's legal costs associated with preparation and completion of the Section 106 Agreement.
  • Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring fees for the 30-year monitoring period.

Apply

To submit a Habitat Bank Expression of Interest, or to discuss a potential proposal, please contact: planning@stroud.gov.uk
Please include "Habitat Bank Application" in the subject line of your email.