Before Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory, Persimmon Homes South Coast approached BNG Partnership with a challenge. Their Swanmore Development in Winchester required just over 15 units of other neutral grassland and mixed scrub habitat as part of the application's BNG planning condition, a key requirement they needed to meet. 

With limited options and tight timeframes, Persimmon turned to BNG Partnership to design a bespoke solution that would satisfy Winchester City Council’s requirements and unlock the development for sale. 

Working with a private landowner, Oliver and Emilie Dallyn, at Polhampton Farm in neighbouring Basingstoke and Deane, BNG Partnership delivered a four-hectare habitat creation scheme that provided exactly what Persimmon required. The agreement was secured through a unilateral undertaking, one of the first of its kind in the Winchester area prior to the introduction of mandatory BNG. The Council now oversees the site’s 30-year monitoring commitment. 

“This was one of the first projects of its kind we’d gone through in the Winchester area, and BNG Partnership made the process straightforward from start to finish. Their support allowed us to meet planning obligations efficiently and proceed with home sales on schedule.” 
- Gregg Allison, Persimmon Homes South Coast 

This early project set a strong precedent for BNG Partnership’s approach, delivering pragmatic, high-quality solutions that benefit developers and local biodiversity in equal measure. 

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