Change description : 2026-06-02 10:00:00: Updated information about who can apply and what documents are needed. Also updated to explain application process for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). Biodiversity net gain will be mandatory for NSIPs from 2 November 2026. [Guidance and regulation]
nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), from 2 November 2026
Who can apply
You can apply to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development if you’re:
a landowner or leaseholder of the gain site you’re allocating from
another person (forwho is not the landowner or leaseholder, but who has the landowner or leaseholder’s formal consent – for example, a developer or ecologist)ecologist
An applicant can also appoint an agent to manage the application on their behalf.
If you’re the applicant who is not the landowner or leaseholder of the gain site
ansite
You agentwill actingneed onto behalfconfirm you have the consent of all landowners and leaseholders of the applicantgain (asite landowner,to leaseholderrecord orthe anotherallocation. person)
If you’re an agent acting on behalf of the applicant
You must be authorised by the applicant which is either,either the landowner, leaseholder or another person, to record allocation of off-site biodiversity gains to a development on their behalf. They must complete an ‘authorise an agent to act on your behalf’ form. You must include this with your application.
If you are an employee or a representative of an organisation, you do not need to complete an authorise an agent form. 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.
You’ll need a Government Gateway account and a Defra account to sign into this service.
If you do not already have these accounts or wish to create new ones, you can set these up when you use this service.
You should use your own email address for these accounts, so we can contact you about your application. It can be either your personal email or your work email, if you are applying for an organisation.
Saving your progress
You can save your application and come back to it at any time.
Removed the contact telephone number due to changes to the service. If you need help, you should now email biodiversitynetgainenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.
15 April 2024
Added to step 2 that when we email you back, we will also ask you to send us the planning application decision notice for the development project from the local planning authority.
16 February 2024
Opening times to helpline has changed to Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm during October and February.