BNG units for infrastructure projects and NSIPs
Mandatory BNG applies to onshore nationally significant infrastructure project applications in England submitted on or after 2 November 2026. BNG Sourced by Green Acres BNG sources the larger unit volumes energy, transport and water projects need, free for developers.
- One requirement, one point of contact, supply from across England
- Every option checked against your metric, the trading rules and the spatial risk multiplier
- Whole and fractional units of all three types, with planning-ready documentation
- Free for developers: where our involvement results in an introduction, the provider pays us an introduction fee
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NSIPs from 2 November 2026
A consistent 10% requirement applies to NSIPs with no sector-specific exemptions, secured for at least 30 years. Applications submitted before 2 November 2026 are not caught. Linear schemes cross several planning authorities and National Character Areas, which changes how the spatial risk multiplier applies along the route and the volumes involved mean supply often has to come from several providers.
Other infrastructure under the Town and Country Planning Act
Energy, transport, water and utilities schemes consented through normal planning permission have been subject to mandatory BNG since 2024. The same sourcing approach applies: match the unit types and distinctiveness in the metric, secure supply early and keep the multiplier in view.
How we work with promoters
- Aggregate supply across multiple providers to reach the volume required
- Map supply against the route or site and the relevant multipliers
- Forward allocation to de-risk examination and consent timelines
- Documentation suitable for the examining authority or planning authority
Read the guide: BNG for NSIPs.
Large volume requirement?
Tell us your requirement and we'll start sourcing today.
A worked example: a 40 kilometre grid connection
An onshore cable route from a coastal landfall to a substation crosses three local planning authorities and four National Character Areas. Most of the route is temporary working width through arable and improved grassland, reinstated after construction, but the substation compound, permanent access tracks and construction compounds are permanent losses. The metric is prepared section by section. Temporary losses that are reinstated to the same habitat score little; permanent losses and hedgerow crossings add up: 18 area habitat units and 2.4 hedgerow units across the route, with 0.8 watercourse units at two crossings.
Because the impact is assessed where it occurs, local supply is defined for each section. We map registered gain sites along the route, identify two in the same NCAs as the largest permanent losses and aggregate the balance from providers in adjacent areas at 0.75. The watercourse units come from a catchment scheme in the same river basin. A forward allocation is agreed for the full requirement before the application is submitted so the examining authority sees secured delivery.
How we support an examination timetable
- Pre-application: requirement by section and unit type, supply mapped against multipliers
- Submission: forward allocations in place, provider documentation ready for the biodiversity gain statement
- Examination: updated supply evidence as the route or design changes
- Post-consent: allocations completed on the register against the development consent order
Infrastructure questions
Which NSIPs are affected?
Onshore NSIPs in England with applications submitted on or after 2 November 2026. There are no sector-specific exemptions.
Can you source hundreds of units?
We source from multiple providers across England and can aggregate supply. Large volumes take longer and benefit from early engagement.
How does the multiplier work for a linear scheme?
Spatial risk is assessed against the location of the impact, so a route crossing several authorities may have local supply in some sections and adjacent or elsewhere supply in others. We map this for you.
Does mandatory BNG apply to a DCO amendment?
The requirement attaches to applications submitted on or after 2 November 2026. Changes to earlier consents are assessed under the transitional provisions; take advice.
Can units be sourced in Scotland or Wales for an English NSIP?
No. Off-site units must be on the England biodiversity gain site register.
How do promoters evidence delivery for the examining authority?
With the biodiversity gain statement, the metric and provider documentation showing secured units. We help assemble it.
Related: how it works, BNG unit prices, exemption checker, all guides.
Ready to source units?
Tell us what the metric needs and we will do the rest.
- One requirement, one point of contact, supply from across England
- Options checked against your metric, the trading rules and the spatial risk multiplier
- Free for developers: where our involvement results in an introduction, the provider pays us an introduction fee
- A specialist in touch, typically within one working day
Free for developers. Your details are only used to source your units.