I am conducting independent research into the implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England. All questions below relate to recorded information held by your authority under its functions as a Local Planning Authority. The request covers the period from 12 February 2024 (mandatory BNG commencement) to the date of your response.

1. BGP Pipeline
Since 12 February 2024, how many planning applications subject to mandatory BNG has your authority received? Please provide a breakdown by:
a) Total number of applications received that are subject to mandatory BNG
b) Number where the applicant submitted a Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) at validation
c) Number where a BGP was submitted post-validation (pre-determination)
d) Number of planning permissions granted that included a BNG condition
e) Number of applications refused where failure to meet the 10% BNG requirement was a reason for refusal
f) Of the applications in (a), how many relate to small sites — defined as either: (i) a site area under 1 hectare, or (ii) a residential development of fewer than 10 dwellings?

2. Delivery Method
Of the BGPs approved (Q1d above), how many used each of the following delivery methods:
a) On-site habitat creation or enhancement only
b) Off-site units from the statutory Biodiversity Gain Site Register
c) Statutory biodiversity credits (Natural England)
d) A combination of on-site and off-site/credits

3. Condition Discharge
Since 12 February 2024:
a) How many applications to discharge a BNG-related planning condition has your authority received?
b) How many have been approved?
c) How many are currently pending determination?
d) What is the average time (in weeks) taken to determine BNG condition discharge applications?

4. Monitoring Fees
a) Does your authority charge a BNG monitoring fee, either as part of a Section 106 agreement or separately?
b) If yes, please provide the fee schedule or the range of fees charged (£ amount or formula), and the basis on which fees are calculated (e.g. per unit, per hectare, flat fee, or other).
c) If a fixed schedule does not exist, please provide the range of BNG monitoring fees secured in Section 106 agreements since 12 February 2024.

5. Supply Constraints
Since 12 February 2024:
a) How many planning applications have experienced delays, or been unable to proceed, specifically because suitable off-site BNG units were not available within or near your authority area?
b) Are you aware of any developments that proceeded using statutory biodiversity credits (Natural England) because local off-site supply was insufficient?

6. S106 Unit Prices
This question relates to any Section 106 agreements your authority has executed that specify the purchase price of off-site biodiversity units from a registered Biodiversity Gain Site.
For each such agreement since 12 February 2024, please provide:
a) The planning application reference number
b) The number of off-site biodiversity units secured
c) The price per unit paid (£/unit), or total consideration paid for the off-site units
d) The broad habitat type of the units (e.g. grassland, woodland, hedgerow, watercourse)
e) The Local Planning Authority area in which the Biodiversity Gain Site is located (if known)

If your authority does not hold this information in a recorded form, please confirm that.