Draft Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance Consultation
Draft Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) has been prepared for public consultation.
The purpose of this SPG is to provide further guidance on the implementation of the adopted Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) (March, 2024) policies relating to the protection and enhancement of habitats and the natural environment.
It explains how development proposals should protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity and secure a net benefit for biodiversity (NBB), in accordance with the requirements of the RLDP and national planning policy. It also sets out how applicants, developers, and decision-makers should address these requirements throughout the planning, design, assessment and delivery of development proposals.
Once adopted, this SPG will be a material consideration in the determination of all planning applications, including applications for renewal of consents.
This SPG provides specific guidance on:
- Applying the biodiversity requirements of the RLDP to development proposals;
- Applying the step-wise approach (mitigation hierarchy) to avoid, minimise, restore and, where necessary, compensate for unavoidable impacts on biodiversity;
- Protecting, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, including habitats, species, and ecological networks;
- Delivering NBB through good design and multifunctional GI;
- Applying the DECCA framework (Diversity, Extent, Condition, Connectivity and Adaptability of ecosystem resilience) to help create more resilient, better connected and climate-adapted ecosystems; and
- Preparing and submitting ecological information and evidence required to support planning applications and demonstrate policy compliance.
The public consultation will run for 6 weeks between 29 October - 10 December 2026
Consultation documents
The consultation documents can be viewed below.
All representations must be received by 11:59pm, 10 December 2026
Representations can be submitted by either:
- Completing and submitting a response via the council’s online consultation portal; or
- Downloading and completing a representation form, which should be emailed to LDP@Bridgend.gov.uk or posted to:
- Strategic Planning Policy Team, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB.
Further information on the consultation can be obtained by contacting the Strategic Planning Policy Team: