Dacorum LPA BNG

Discover key habitats, BNG requirements, and planning guidance for developers in Dacorum LPA Local Planning Authority.

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Biodiversity Net Gain in Dacorum LPA Local Planning Authority

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Dacorum, located in Hertfordshire, is a predominantly rural Local Planning Authority (LPA) known for its diverse natural environment and rich ecological heritage. Covering an area of approximately 200 square kilometres, the district includes a range of urban centres and rural settlements, with Hemel Hempstead serving as the principal town. Other significant towns and villages within the LPA include Berkhamsted, Tring, and Kings Langley, each contributing to the area's distinctive landscape character and biodiversity value.

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Dacorum Borough Council actively supports the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in line with the Environment Act 2021. Developers working within the LPA are required to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity value for most developments, secured through habitat creation, enhancement, or approved off-site units. For developments of 100 or more homes, the council expects an ambitious delivery of BNG, aiming for a 15% net gain. This is in accordance with the Dacorum Design Code, which outlines the district's approach to biodiversity and ecological enhancement.

Dacorum encompasses two National Character Areas (NCAs), the Chilterns and the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands, each influencing the typical habitat types found in the region. These include ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, river valleys, lowland mixed deciduous woodlands, and floodplain meadows—many of which are priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This ecological diversity presents both opportunities and constraints for BNG delivery, requiring careful ecological assessment and strategic planning.

For developers, landowners, and planners operating within Dacorum, understanding the LPA’s landscape, habitat distribution, and regional policy context is critical to meeting BNG obligations. The council provides tailored support through BNG assessments, habitat mapping, and access to verified local BNG units and schemes.

To learn more about BNG opportunities in this area, contact us or register to be notified when local schemes become available.

Habitats in Dacorum LPA Local Planning Authority

Dacorum’s landscape supports a rich mosaic of habitats, many of which are priority habitats under BNG classifications and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Grassland Habitats

Lowland calcareous grassland dominates the chalk ridge areas, supporting diverse plant species like orchids and wild thyme.

Lowland meadows are scattered along the district's river valleys and floodplains, offering high biodiversity value, particularly for invertebrates and ground-nesting birds.

Areas of modified grassland are common in improved pastures and paddocks, but these hold lower BNG value unless enhanced.

Woodland and Forest Habitats

The LPA contains extensive lowland mixed deciduous woodland, particularly on the clay-with-flints plateau and valley slopes, providing habitat for bats, dormice, and woodland birds.

Veteran trees and old estates feature wood-pasture and parkland, a rare and highly valued BNG habitat.

Areas of wet woodland, often associated with river valleys, add to the ecological complexity.

Heathland and Shrub

Lowland heathland and mixed scrub are present in parts of the district, supporting heathland birds like nightjar and Dartford warbler.

Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

The district's rivers and streams provide priority river habitats and support adjacent floodplain wetland mosaics.

Smaller ponds, reedbeds, and ditches are scattered across the landscape, particularly in floodplain areas.

Cropland Habitats

Much of Dacorum’s agricultural land is under cereal crops or temporary grass and clover leys, but there is increasing scope to integrate arable field margins for biodiversity gain.

Hedgerows and Linear Features

Species-rich hedgerows form important ecological corridors across the landscape.

Buy BNG Units

Towns & Cities

Hemel Hempstead

Berkhamsted

Tring

Kings Langley

Markyate

Bovingdon

Chipperfield

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