North Lincolnshire LPA BNG
Discover key habitats, BNG requirements, and planning guidance for developers in North Lincolnshire LPA Local Planning Authority.
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Biodiversity Net Gain in North Lincolnshire LPA Local Planning Authority
North Lincolnshire, located in the Humber region of eastern England, covers approximately 846 square kilometres and combines market towns, rural villages, industrial areas, and valuable ecological landscapes. The main urban centre is Scunthorpe, supported by settlements including Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, and Epworth. The area includes extensive agricultural land, woodland, and nationally significant riverine and estuarine habitats.
North Lincolnshire Council is committed to applying Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in line with the Environment Act 2021, requiring most new developments to deliver a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity. This is achieved through on-site habitat creation or enhancement, and/or the use of registered off-site biodiversity units.
The borough straddles several National Character Areas (NCAs), including the Humber Estuary, Lincolshire Wolds, and Northern Lincolnshire Edge. These shape the diversity of habitat types found across the authority—from estuarine mudflats to lowland farmland and ancient woodland—many of which are priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and BNG classification.
Developers and landowners working in the area must consider the borough’s broad ecological character, with BNG opportunities often centred around restoration of floodplain meadows, river corridors, and arable field margins.
Habitats in North Lincolnshire LPA Local Planning Authority
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North Lincolnshire features a rich and varied landscape supporting a wide range of habitats:
Estuarine and Wetland Habitats
The Humber Estuary forms the northern boundary of the borough and is internationally designated for its saltmarsh, mudflats, and bird life (SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar).
Inland, extensive reedbeds, grazing marsh, and drainage dykes contribute significantly to the borough’s wetland character, especially in the Isle of Axholme.
Grassland Habitats
Floodplain meadows, lowland calcareous grasslands, and neutral grasslands are scattered throughout the rural landscape, particularly near the River Trent and River Ancholme.
Improved and modified grasslands dominate the agricultural matrix but have potential for enhancement.
Woodland and Forest Habitats
Patches of ancient woodland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland occur on the Lincolnshire Edge and valley slopes.
Veteran trees and hedgerow trees are important features in field boundaries and old estates.
Cropland Habitats
Arable farmland covers much of the borough and presents opportunities for BNG through field margins, wildlife strips, and hedgerow restoration.
Hedgerows and Linear Features
Long-established species-rich hedgerows, especially in the Isle of Axholme, serve as vital ecological corridors.
Scunthorpe
Barton-upon-Humber
Immingham
Brigg
Broughton
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