Natural England
Before you apply
If youre 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.
Open and download the Record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development form. Answer the questions on the form and save it.
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 youre an agent.
In the subject line of your email type Apply to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development.
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.
Email: biodiversitynetgainenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
We aim to reply within 10 working days.