FOI release
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Data
Case reference EIR2025/00764
Received 8 July 2025
Published 14 July 2025
Last amended 14 July 2025
Request
I am requesting information regarding the implementation and impact of the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement on planning applications submitted to your council. Please provide the following data for the period from 12 February 2024 to the date of your response. Planning Application Decisions: * The total number of planning applications refused where failure to meet the statutory Biodiversity Net Gain requirement was a primary or contributing reason for refusal. * The total number of planning applications that have been delayed or had a decision withheld pending the submission or approval of a satisfactory BNG plan. Length of Delays: * For the applications delayed due to BNG requirements (as identified in question 1), what has been the average length of the delay, measured in weeks, from the initial target decision date? BNG Enforcement: * The total number of enforcement actions or formal investigations the council has initiated related to non-compliance with BNG obligations on approved developments. * The total number of financial penalties or fines that have been issued by the council for breaches of BNG requirements and the total monetary value (£) of these penalties. Reasons for Planning Delays (Context): * A list of the five most common reasons cited for delays in determining planning applications within your council since 12 February 2024. If possible, please indicate the percentage of total delays each reason accounts for, to help contextualise the impact of BNG relative to other factors. If my request is too broad, please let me know which parts can be fulfilled within the appropriate cost limits. I would be happy to refine the scope of this request. Please provide the information in a digital format, such as a CSV or Excel file, sent to this email address.
Response
Please see the response in the attachment.
Documents
This is Oxford City Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
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