BNG in Practice: Turning SuDS Into Biodiversity Units
BNG is now a baseline expectation
Delivering at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain is the new normal. SuDS can carry a big share of those units—if they are designed from evidence rather than retrofitted. That starts with understanding your ground’s capacity to infiltrate and your site’s existing habitats and constraints.
Test the ground, then shape the habitat
Infiltration Testing provides design rates and groundwater observations that determine where infiltration features will thrive. A Phase 1 Desktop Study logs baseline habitats, receptors and potential contamination so you don’t plant over future dig areas or locate basins where pollutants might be mobilised. With those inputs, engineers and ecologists can vary depths, side slopes and planting to create functional wetlands that the metric recognises.
Make it maintainable and measurable
LPAs look for credible management. Provide simple maintenance regimes (de‑silting forebays, seasonal checks of planting, safe access routes) and identify who is responsible. Present before/after habitat condition assessments so the unit gains are transparent.
Join the dots for faster approvals
Integrate biodiversity notes into the drainage strategy, and show how exceedance routes protect habitats during extreme events. If car parks are being broken up, plan WAC Testing sampling to separate clean and impacted materials for lawful reuse or disposal. Align drawings, statements and calculations so consultees see one consistent story.
Evidence planners trust
EnviroSolution delivers rapid Infiltration Testing and focused Phase 1 Desktop Study so your BNG strategy is practical, defensible and accepted first time.
Next steps on any scheme
Book {INF} early in the design timeline, then use the results to refine basin footprints, side slopes and planting mixes. Feed the {P1} constraints into the landscape plan, and draft a simple, costed maintenance schedule. Present before/after habitat unit calculations in your ecology note so the gain is transparent to officers and consultees.
Why EnviroSolution
We deliver the measurements and concise reporting that give planners confidence and help design teams make faster, better decisions.
Quick checklist to keep your programme moving
• Commission a scoped Phase 1 Desktop Study to establish historic use, receptors, flood context and constraints that will influence design and construction methods.
• Book early Infiltration Testing (where relevant) to obtain BRE 365 design rates, groundwater observations and trial pit logs that make a SuDS strategy credible.
• Prepare a proportionate sampling plan and WAC Testing for any soils or demolition arisings so reuse and disposal routes are lawful and cost‑controlled.
• Where older structures are retained or stripped, add Asbestos Surveys to locate ACMs and sequence safe removal; for coalfield locations consider a screening‑level Coal Mining Risk Assessment.
• Align drawings, statements and calculations so drainage, ecology and construction mitigation tell one consistent story in your submission.
How EnviroSolution helps
We deliver fast surveys, accredited lab testing and concise reporting that joins the dots—turning risk into clear design choices and planning‑ready evidence. If you need energy compliance for new homes or conversions, our SAP Calculations integrate with the broader pack so Building Control sign‑off is straightforward.