Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire
BNG Partnership is proud to have supported the South Cambridgeshire Investment Partnership (SCIP), an equal partnership between South Cambridgeshire District Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, in achieving their Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) targets for a major housing development at Cambourne Business Park, Cambridgeshire.
The 20-acre site, which received planning permission for 256 new homes, required a substantial BNG allocation to meet its ambitious 20% habitat gain target - double the national requirement of 10%. BNG Partnership was appointed following a competitive and rigorous tender process, during which the team demonstrated both technical capability and flexibility to meet the project’s needs.
To deliver the necessary uplift, BNG Partnership provided 84.87 BNG units sourced from its nearby Boxworth site, located just 5.8 miles from the development. The proximity ensures that the restored habitats remain within the same Local Planning Authority and National Character Area, allowing the local community to benefit directly from enhanced biodiversity in their area.
A bespoke payment schedule was developed collaboratively between BNG Partnership and SCIP, reflecting the project’s size and complexity. The agreement was completed within an impressive seven-month period - enabling SCIP to move swiftly through planning conditions and commence development.
Andrew Day, Sustainability Director at The Hill Group, comments “BNG Partnership’s proactive and collaborative approach has been invaluable. Their flexibility and clear communication helped us meet a complex set of requirements within a tight timeframe.”
Once habitat creation at Boxworth is established, BNG Partnership will open the site for public access, allowing residents to experience the positive environmental impact of the scheme firsthand.
Andrew said, “We’re committed to creating homes and places that make a positive contribution to their natural environment. This partnership has enabled us to deliver meaningful local biodiversity gains and create lasting environmental value for future generations.”
This achievement reflects SCIP’s commitment to creating sustainable communities that balance high-quality homes with environmental enhancement, marking a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Hill and BNG Partnership.
