Biodiversity net gain – self builders excluded or not?

[RedRhino]

We have been guided by the government website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain

We read:

Self-build and custom build applications

An exemption applies to this type of development when it meets all the following conditions:   

• consists of no more than 9 dwellings 
• on a site that has an area no larger than 0.5 hectares    
• consists exclusively of dwellings that are self-build or custom housebuilding as defined in section 1(A1) of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015

 

However, we now also read:

1. 2 April 2024

   Removed 'small developments' from the exemptions list as small developments are subject to BNG from 2 April 2024.

 

So our single dwelling is a small development and BNG applies or we are Self build and BNG does not apply?

Confused!

 

[Temp]

I believe "Self Builds and Custom Build Developments" continue to be exempt.

 

The rules published in Nov 2023 included exemptions for "Small Developments" and "Self Builders and Custom Build Developments".

 

In April 24 the document here.. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/biodiversity-net-gain-exempt-developments was updated to remove /the exemption for "Small Developments" but the document still contains the exemption for "Self Builder and Custom Build Developments".

 

Eg it still contains this exemption...

 

Quote

 

Self-build and custom build applications

An exemption applies to this type of development when it meets all the following conditions:   

• consists of no more than 9 dwellings 
• on a site that has an area no larger than 0.5 hectares    
• consists exclusively of dwellings that are self-build or custom housebuilding as defined in section 1(A1) of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015

 

[RedRhino]

Thank you. That looks like a common sense way of interpreting it. 
if common sense applies!