GovWire

Buying statutory biodiversity credits is a last resort option for developers if you are unable to use on-site or off-site units to deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG).

You cannot use an agent or representative to act on your behalf to buy statutory biodiversity credits.

How to buystatutory biodiversity credits

1. You will need to download and complete the relevant form to buy statutory biodiversity credits. This will need to be sent to Natural England to be processed.

2. We will process your application. A third-party supplier will use your information for customer due diligence checks. These are to check you are who you say you are and to carry out anti-money laundering checks. Our privacy notice tells you how we will be sharing your information.
   
   We aim to contact you within 4 weeks of receiving your order to tell you if youve passed the initial checks. If more checks are needed, we will let you know. This could take up to 8 weeks in total.

3. If you pass the checks, you will receive a proforma invoice with instructions on how to pay for your credits.
   
   If you do not pass the checks, you will not be able to continue with your application.

4. After you pay for your credits, you will receive a proof of purchase. You can send this to your local planning authority (LPA) as part of meeting your BNG requirements.

Cancellation of orders and refunds

You can cancel your order any time before paying for your credits.

Find more information about refunds in our terms and conditions.

Contact us if you need help

Telephone: 0300 060 3900

Opening times:

• March to September - Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
• October to February - Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

Closed on public holidays.

Find out about call charges.

Email: biodiversitynetgainenquiries@naturalengland.org.uk

We aim to reply within 10 working days.

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