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Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us for a special online engagement session hosted by the Leaders of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils on Thursday 3 July from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams. We'll explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the different options being considered, and show you how to get involved. Sign up for the session (opens new window).

Biodiversity Net Gain

Strategic significance

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory in early 2024 for some developments. BNG means biodiversity value must be higher after the development than it was before. Developments in our borough must improve biodiversity value by 20% unless they are exempt from BNG.

The government sets the method for calculating habitat value. The evaluation is based on size, condition, distinctiveness and strategic significance. Local planning authorities must identify which habitats are most important for strategic significance. These will count for more in the BNG calculations.

This document sets out our approach to strategic significance: Biodiversity Net Gain Strategic Significance (PDF, 194 KB)

This will be the approach until the Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy is adopted. Find out more about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (opens new window).