With increasing emphasis on showing a net gain in biodiversity post-development, we are being asked to provide Bio-diversity Impact Assessment Calculations (BIAC) to accompany planning applications prior to this being mandated.
When completing a BIAC, measurements of the existing Phase 1 habitats are used as a base-line and compared with the expected habitat loss/gain following construction. To prepare for the BIAC, surveys should record each habitat's individual 'Distinctiveness' and 'Condition' to help determine value. The Farm Environmental Plan (FEP) Manual produced by the Environment Bank provides guidelines for this although final assessment will depend on the ecologist's use of professional judgement. The BIAC calculator assigns default distinctiveness categories based on the habitat inputted, according to the standard set out by DEFRA. It is acknowledged that biodiversity is a fluid system and does not always conform, so these may be edited to reflect a more accurate assessment of the habitats on site. If the default distinctiveness is changed then this must be justified within the comments section of the BIAC or the accompanying report. Unlike distinctiveness, there is no default condition assigned to habitats by the BIAC therefore the condition of each habitat will be determined by the ecologist and must be justified. Typically, loss of established habitat is likely to be non-contentious if the proposals are taking low value habitat and replacing it with habitat of a higher value. However, some types of habitat such as Ancient Woodland, which is classified as high distinctiveness cannot be replaced or compensated for. This can have a massive negative impact on the final biodiversity units post-development, therefore it is recommended to make all efforts to retain similar high value habitats where possible. This is where an ecological constraints and opportunities plan may help. Currently there are two versions of the BIAC which can be used. The original BIAC can be found on the Environment Bank website. The BIAC V2.0 is currently in beta access and can be found on the Natural England website. Although this version is accessible to the public, it is still undergoing revisions and remains incomplete.
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