Bidwells has launched a 173-acre biodiversity net gain (BNG) scheme in partnership with the 2,000-acre Braxted Park Estate.
The scheme will deliver long-term, legally secured habitat restoration and give developers the ability to purchase biodiversity units ‘off-the-shelf’. Dynamic pricing will be applied for developers seeking fractions to tens and hundreds of biodiversity units, as well as discounts for large volume sales.
The 173-acre site spans three local authorities – Braintree District Council, Colchester City Council and Maldon District Council – and also sits within the Northern Thames Basin National Character Area.
Lisa Bulmer, associate, natural capital at Bidwells, said: “This project represents a major step forward in the delivery of high-integrity, landscape-scale BNG. Braxted Park Estate is the perfect partner for delivering the gold standard model for nature recovery, and this project is a major step to delivering meaningful outcomes for biodiversity and climate resilience.”
Duncan Clark, owner of Braxted Park Estate, added: The Braxted Park BNG scheme really is setting some new ‘firsts’ in its scope and ambition. Not only will it be the largest habitat bank in the county it is also the first in the UK to involve three LPA’s in a single Section 106 agreement so that builders in all three districts can meet their BNG requirements in those districts with a single S106 agreement.
“Bidwells and Farrers have brought all their considerable experience to bear in constructing such a complex environmental structure for which they were uniquely positioned. Thus far the process has been remarkably seamless and we are now looking forward to marketing the units in short order. Indeed that process has already commenced.”
Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “Working in partnership with Bidwells, the Braxted Park Estate, Braintree and Colchester Councils has provided an opportunity for real environmental improvement across our three council areas. Managing biodiversity through biodiversity net gain ensures that, local authorities supporting and working in partnership with landowners can secure local areas in which nature can thrive.”
Gabrielle Spray, cabinet member for planning at Braintree District Council, added: “This project is a fantastic example of the work that can be done using the planning process to make sure future developments are protecting and improving the environment, ensuring habitats thrive for years to come.”
James Maxwell, rural property partner at Farrer & Co which advised Braxted Park Estate on the Section 106 planning agreement, said: “Agreeing a planning agreement with one local authority can be a challenge; agreeing it with three is a significant achievement. Farrer & Co’s experience in setting up BNG schemes for rural landowners allowed us to lead the three local authorities through the issues and achieve the desired outcome for our client.”
