The BNG Implementation Board met on 22nd October 2025, marking one year since its establishment. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on progress over the past year and to take stock of the challenges and priorities needed to deliver BNG successfully and at scale.
Ministers confirmed their intention to coordinate BNG consultation responses with other national policy developments, including updates to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Development Management Policies expected later this year. Any changes to exemptions or metrics would require secondary legislation or further consultation, meaning no immediate policy change. Developers are therefore encouraged to continue operating within the current framework.
Members discussed the continuing uncertainty within the sector, with many developers awaiting the outcome of consultations before bringing sites forward. The Board agreed that clearer communication on timescales and coordinated messaging across government departments will help maintain confidence in BNG delivery.
A redesigned BNG Implementation Dashboard was welcomed to provide a clear, functional overview of Implementation Board progress. Members agreed it will continue to evolve, with further input from local authorities and stakeholders to ensure it reflects on-the-ground experience.
The Board reviewed progress on key tools supporting delivery. A new "BNG Toolkit" will bring together key guidance and practical resources, while improvements to the BNG Unit Finder Map will enhance transparency and accessibility of data. A forthcoming Nature Tech "Market Snapshot" will highlight emerging innovations to support implementation. A collaboration with PAS will collect local authority case studies for inclusion in a library of good practice examples.
Discussion also focused on the challenges of applying BNG to large and phased developments, with a useful paper from James Scott from Urban and Civic. Further conversations will be held with Defra and MHCLG to better understand how phased development can be addressed.
Looking ahead, the Board discussed priorities for the next six to twelve months. Key focus areas currently being translated into the workplan for the next year included: recommended policy and local plan alignment, recommended amendments for multi-phased sites, better communication to homeowners and smaller developers, good practice knowledge exchange, better clarity on long term compliance arrangements and offsite market transparency.
One year on, the Implementation Board has built strong foundations for effective delivery and supported the industry in responding to BNG. The year ahead will focus on targeted actions for the most acute challenges as the policy begins to bed in.
Author: Vicky Payne