I would like to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
Since the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in February 2024:
• The number of planning applications submitted to your local authority that were considered (a) large sites, (b) small sites as per the BNG classification
• What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites had completed and submitted the relevant BNG documentation with their application (e.g. statement of applicability, pre-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat, description of any irreplaceable habitat, on-site habitat plan)?
• What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites planned to deliver the BNG (a) through fully onsite habitat creation and enhancement, (b) fully offsite compensation or (c) a combination of onsite/offsite
• The number of planning applications refused based on biodiversity-related concerns
• The number of staff working on implementing BNG at the end of 2023 and at the end of 2024.