A flagship Habitat Bank in Kent is offering commercial solutions for developers currently navigating BNG regulations.

The 33-hectare site at Chalksole Farm, in Alkham near Dover, has officially been added to the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) register. It provides 259 Biodiversity Units and will enable project teams across London, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent to unlock the development potential of plots where environmental requirements may not otherwise be satisfied.

The initiative represents a strong collaboration between Habitat Bank owner, Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions Limited, environmental consultancy, Biodiverse Consulting, and Dover District Council.

Vicki Mordue, founder and director of Biodiverse Consulting, explains: “Habitat Banks are essential for balancing the demand for new housing and infrastructure with the urgent need to protect and enhance our natural environment.

“Onsite BNG provisions can be complex and are not always a realistic way of achieving Biodiversity Gains of the right type. By purchasing off-site units from Habitat Banks, developers can ensure legal compliance while facilitating timely project progression.

“Chalksole is a scalable model that, if replicated across the UK, could address BNG challenges. We recently launched a new service, Biodiverse Brokering, dedicated to breaking down barriers for developers looking to achieve BNG, by matching them with reputable Habitat Banks like Chalksole, with units ready to purchase.

“With strong collaboration and robust planning, we can unlock more development opportunities that benefit businesses and nature.”

John Newbury, founder of Biodiversity and Habitat Solutions Limited, added: “Chalksole Farm will play a key role in the responsible delivery of new developments across the South East, marking a major step forward for developers looking to satisfy environmental requirements.

“We have created a nature-rich site for local species to flourish. Demand for our 259 Biodiversity Units is high, and we encourage local developers to get in touch to discuss their project requirements.”

For more information on how the Chalksole Farm Habitat Bank can support your development project, visit: https://www.biodiverseconsulting.co.uk/biodiverse-brokering