DEFRA's Small Site Exemption: Our Take

Just before Christmas, the government and DEFRA announced changes to BNG on the back of their consultation into BNG exemptions for smaller sites.

Sites below 0.2 hectares will now be exempt from BNG requirements. 

Our take? This is pragmatic.

The Small Developer Challenge

The consultation, which ran in the spring of 2025, looked at how small site exemptions might work. 

There was a feeling that whilst BNG is working in the main, for really small developers and independents, it's sometimes hard to go through the BNG process.

We're talking about people that often need just a few hundredths of a unit - or really small amounts. But currently it's not that different between going through the BNG process for that size of site and buying ten or even 100 units.

The Commercial Impact 

What's quite interesting in our data is that these small sites make up maybe 30% of the leads coming into our business, but only 8% of the actual total unit sales. That's because they're all such small amounts.

With the introduction of BNG in May for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) - which require very large volumes of units - this reduction of smaller site enquiries should be offset.

A Vote Of Confidence

The government showed they've listened to industry concerns whilst maintaining BNG's core principles. It reinforces that BNG is working as intended for the vast majority of developments, and suggests confidence in the overall framework. 

It's important to note that nothing changes immediately. The formal rule adjustments for very small sites will be implemented later this year. 

Until then, current BNG requirements remain in force. 

We Can Help

If you have a project coming up - whatever the size - our team of experts is at hand to help secure your off-site BNG unit purchase. 

With a supplier network across England - over 85% of available supply - we can always find units near your development, and help you discharge the planning condition smoothly.

Get a quote today 

Alternatively, start a conversation with us on info@biodiversityunits.com or 0203 105 0776