Do I Need to Worry About Biodiversity for My House Extension?

If you're planning a house extension, you might be surprised to hear your local council asking for a “biodiversity checklist.” This can be confusing, especially when Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules don’t usually apply to householders.

Here’s what you need to know.

Does BNG Apply to My Project?

In most cases, no. The government’s BNG rules focus on larger developments—not single home extensions.

However, some councils are now asking for a simple biodiversity checklist as part of their planning application process. This helps them check if your site could affect local wildlife or habitats.

What Is the Biodiversity Checklist?

It’s a short form with questions like:

• Are there ponds, mature trees, or hedgerows on or near the property?

• Could any protected species be affected?

You won’t need specialist knowledge to fill it out—but it can delay your application if missed.

How We Help at BetterLivingSpace

While we can’t complete the checklist for you, we do guide you through it and explain what it means for your project. If anything raises a red flag, we’ll help you decide whether further advice or a basic ecological report is needed.

We’ll make sure:

• You know exactly what your local council expects

• You avoid delays or invalid applications

• You’re confident about what’s required and what’s not

Planning something soon? Let’s talk. Visit www.betterlivinspace.co.uk or call 03301 757 601.