Richmond upon Thames LPA BNG

Richmond upon Thames, located in South West London, is a borough renowned for its extensive green spaces, historic parks, and biodiversity-rich river landscapes. Covering approximately 57 square kilometres, it includes areas such as Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kew, and Barnes. The borough is defined by the River Thames and includes nationally important sites such as Richmond Park (a National Nature Reserve and SSSI) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

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Aligned with the Environment Act 2021, Richmond Council requires most development proposals to achieve a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This can be fulfilled through on-site habitat enhancement, the use of off-site biodiversity units, or contributions to wider ecological networks across the borough.

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Richmond lies within the Northern Thames Basin and the Thames Valley National Character Areas, with a high concentration of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), protected woodlands, and diverse wetland and grassland habitats. The River Thames and its tributaries, such as the Beverley Brook and River Crane, form vital blue-green corridors supporting aquatic and riparian species.

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With its combination of historic parks, river corridors, and suburban gardens, Richmond presents strong opportunities for delivering BNG through habitat restoration, nature-sensitive design, and enhancement of green infrastructure.

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For developers, landowners, and planning professionals in Richmond upon Thames, understanding local habitats, planning requirements, and ecological sensitivities is essential. Our team offers full support including ecological assessments, BNG metric calculations, and advice on delivering effective on-site or off-site biodiversity improvements.

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To learn more or receive updates about BNG units and schemes in the area, get in touch with us.