OEP responds to Defra's consultation on BNG reforms
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has responded to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' consultation on biodiversity net gain (BNG) implementation reforms, expressing concerns about several proposed changes, particularly the plan to exempt minor developments, warning that this could narrow the scope of BNG and potentially lead to habitat loss. In its response letter, the OEP acknowledged Defra's overall aim of improving BNG implementation but advised that the reforms should be approached with caution, given BNG's early stage of operation. It recommended that any changes support broader nature improvement strategies, align with the upcoming revision of the Environmental Improvement Plan, and strengthen the likelihood of achieving legally binding nature targets. Additionally, the Chair of the OEP, Dame Glenys Stacey, highlighted the consultation's lack of detailed evidence regarding implementation challenges and the absence of impact assessments for the proposed reforms.