(BNG): Delivery Risk and Evidence Requirements

BNG introduces long-term compliance obligations that extend beyond installation. The key risk is not understanding BNG conceptually — it is failing delivery evidence and failing to align installed habitats with the metric-backed commitments that secured consent.

Common BNG delivery and compliance controls include:

• Confirming habitat types to be delivered match the metric baseline and target outputs
• Ensuring soil profiles, depths, and preparation align with habitat specification
• Maintaining species compliance where habitat classification depends on planting mix
• Protecting habitat areas during the construction phase to prevent degradation
• Recording and evidencing installation so it can support discharge and monitoring

BNG governance is evidence-led. Even minor substitutions can create a mismatch between what was approved and what was installed, particularly where habitats are classified and scored. Where delivery constraints exist (availability, ground conditions, programme impacts), changes should be raised formally for review and approval, with documentation retained to protect planning compliance.