East Cambridgeshire LPA BNG
Discover key habitats, BNG requirements, and planning guidance for developers in East Cambridgeshire LPA Local Planning Authority.
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Biodiversity Net Gain in East Cambridgeshire LPA Local Planning Authority
East Cambridgeshire, located in the East of England, is a predominantly rural Local Planning Authority (LPA) characterised by its agricultural lowlands, rich fenland heritage, and historic market towns. Covering approximately 655 square kilometres, the district includes the city of Ely and settlements such as Soham and Littleport, set within an open landscape of drained fenland, wet grasslands, rivers, and restored peatlands.
East Cambridgeshire District Council is committed to the Environment Act 2021’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement. Most new developments in the district must deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity through on-site habitat creation or enhancement, or through verified off-site biodiversity units or habitat banks.
The LPA lies predominantly within the The Fens National Character Area and also includes parts of the South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland. Key ecological assets include fenland washes, wet woodlands, lowland meadows, and a network of ditches, rivers, and restored peat habitats. This landscape offers both opportunities and sensitivities for BNG delivery.
For developers and planners, understanding East Cambridgeshire’s landscape context, priority habitats, and planning policy framework is essential for effective BNG compliance. Our team provides full support for habitat assessment, metric calculations, and access to local and regional BNG delivery options.
Contact us or register to stay informed about BNG opportunities in East Cambridgeshire.
Habitats in East Cambridgeshire LPA Local Planning Authority
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East Cambridgeshire’s low-lying fen landscape supports high-value wetland and grassland habitats.
Grassland Habitats
Lowland meadows and wet grasslands occur in river valleys and floodplains, particularly along the Ouse and Lark.
Improved grasslands dominate agricultural margins but offer enhancement potential through species-rich sowing and better management.
Woodland and Forest Habitats
Woodland cover is limited, but wet woodland and small broadleaved woodland blocks occur along rivers and ditches.
Shelterbelts and tree rows around farmland contribute to ecological connectivity.
Heathland and Shrub
Scrub and bramble-dominated habitats occur on rough pasture and brownfield sites, offering biodiversity niches.
Wetland and Watercourse Habitats
The district’s defining feature is its fenland hydrology—rivers, drains, ditches, and washlands like the Ouse Washes SPA/Ramsar support highly distinctive wetland biodiversity.
Reedbeds, sedge beds, and restored peatlands (e.g. Wicken Fen) contribute significantly to biodiversity value.
Cropland Habitats
Much of East Cambridgeshire is arable farmland. Field margins, beetle banks, and ditch networks offer strong potential for BNG through habitat enhancements.
Hedgerows and Linear Features
Hedgerows are less common than in other districts but species-rich ones exist on clay plateau areas and some older field systems.
East Cambridgeshire LPA BNG Planning
The highest BNG uplift can be achieved by enhancing and restoring high distinctiveness habitats such as wetland mosaics, lowland meadows, and peatland edge habitats. These habitats are sensitive to hydrology and require strategic design.
Practical BNG opportunities also exist through improving lower distinctiveness habitats—such as arable field margins, improved grassland, and ditches—by incorporating wildflower planting, wet features, and better connectivity.
Off-site BNG schemes, especially in partnership with fenland restoration and conservation groups, are likely to play a key role in larger developments.
Ely
Soham
Littleport
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