New BNG good practice guide launched: supporting sustainable housing and nature recovery

At Places for People (PfP), we believe that building thriving communities goes hand in hand with protecting and enhancing the natural world. That’s why we’re proud to support the launch of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Good Practice Guide, a vital new resource developed by the Future Homes Hub to help the housing sector deliver measurable improvements in biodiversity across development sites. 

What is biodiversity net gain (BNG)? 

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand and is a legal requirement in England. This means creating or enhancing habitats, supporting wildlife, and integrating nature to create greener, healthier places for people to live. 

BNG is a transformative approach to development - one that benefits both people and the planet. It supports nature recovery, improves community wellbeing, and contributes to climate resilience. 

Places for People’s commitment to BNG 

We are committed to enhancing and protecting biodiversity across our Communities to deliver long-term benefits for nature and our Customers. As part of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy, we are: 

Delivering the regulatory minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain in new planning applications in England, and going above this where possible 

• Integrating green infrastructure and natural habitats into our communities  
• Measuring and reporting biodiversity outcomes to ensure transparency  
• Collaborating with local authorities, environmental partners, and residents  
• Supporting nature-based solutions that enhance climate resilience and wellbeing  

As a member of the Future Homes Hub, we see BNG not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a core part of our mission to create healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and nature-rich communities.

Dinny Shaw, Head of Planning for Places for People said: “The launch of the BNG Good Practice Guide is a welcome step forward for the sector.  

“At PfP, we recognise that delivering Biodiversity Net Gain is not just about compliance - it’s about creating places where nature and communities can thrive together. This guidance provides the clarity and practical insight our teams need to embed BNG into every stage of development.  

“We’re proud to support this initiative and remain committed to building greener, more resilient communities for the future.” 

Delivering BNG in Practice 

At PfP, we embed biodiversity at the heart of our development process. Even before BNG became a regulatory requirement, we were already designing schemes that prioritised ecological value and exceeded the 10% BNG threshold. Our approach begins with early ecological assessments and aims to retain and enhance existing habitats wherever possible. 

Here are just a few examples of how we’re delivering real outcomes for nature: 

Creswick, Hertfordshire 
A major mixed-use development of up to 340 homes, Creswick is designed to achieve an impressive 30% net gain in habitats and 50% in hedgerows. Key features include: 

• Retention of mature trees and hedgerows 
• Creation of new woodland buffers and wildflower grasslands 
• Wildlife-friendly sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and integrated bird and bat boxes 
• Long-term habitat management plans 
  Shipdham, Norfolk 
  This 102-home scheme includes a community orchard, play areas, and two SuDS ponds. Biodiversity enhancements include: 
• Over 100 metres of new hedgerows and 82 trees planted 
• Hedgehog highways and log piles for habitat diversity 
•  A rich mosaic of native planting and wildflower grassland 

Gilston Park Estate, Hertfordshire 

Our flagship development, at Gilston, we will deliver up to 8,500 homes across six villages, underpinned by a Strategic Landscape Masterplan. Environmental commitments include: 

• 88 hectares of proposed and enhanced habitats 
• 16 hectares of species-rich grassland 
• 10 hectares of new broadleaved woodland 
• £3 million contribution to Stort Valley ecological improvements 

A minimum of 10% BNG across the site, with potential for significantly more 

These examples reflect our belief that BNG is not just a policy - it’s a principle that helps us build better, greener, and more resilient communities. 

Why the BNG Good Practice Guide matters 

The BNG Good Practice Guide simplifies the complex process of implementing BNG on-site and is an essential resource for the sector. It brings together existing guidance, expert commentary, and offers practical insights from professionals actively delivering BNG in real-world projects. 

Key features of the guide include: 

• A clear, stage-by-stage checklist for BNG delivery  
• Practical advice from ecologists, developers, and legal experts  
• Real-world case studies and lessons learned  
• Interactive tools aligned with the Statutory BNG Metric  

This guide is designed to support project teams of all sizes - from design through to long-term site management - making it an essential resource for anyone involved in sustainable housing development. 

A sector-wide collaboration for nature 

Government is still consulting on BNG but the launch of the BNG Good Practice Guide marks a significant step forward for the housing sector. By sharing knowledge and collaborating across organisations, we can ensure that BNG delivers real, lasting benefits for biodiversity and community wellbeing. 
We encourage our partners and stakeholders to explore the guide, share it widely, and join us in championing biodiversity in every project. 

Explore the BNG Good Practice Guide on the Future Homes Hub website