National Character Areas (NCAs) are natural subdivisions of England based on a combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity, and economic activity. They play a crucial role in the context of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), an initiative that requires every new development in England to have a measurable increase in biodiversity. In this blog, we will explore the importance of NCAs within the context of BNG, focusing on their definition, examples, and the benefits of BNG.
Definition of National Character Areas
NCAs are areas that share similar landscape characteristics and follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. There are 159 National Character Areas in England, and their profiles serve as guidance documents that help communities make informed decisions about the places they live in.
Examples of National Character Areas
Some examples of NCAs include the North Northumberland Coastal Plain, Northumberland Sandstone Hills, and the North Pennines. These areas are defined by their unique combination of landscape features, biodiversity, geodiversity, history, and cultural and economic activity.
Biodiversity Net Gain and the Spatial Multiplier
The Spatial Risk Multiplier is a calculator used to determine the cost of each BNG unit when offsite BNG units are sourced from outside the Local Planning Authority (LPA) where the development work is taking place. However, the Spatial Multiplier for BNG does not apply when the offsite BNG unit site (the habitat bank) and the development site sit within the same National Character Area. This encourages developers to source offsite BNG units within the same NCA, promoting local conservation and restoration efforts.
Benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain
BNG aims to ensure that all new developments contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment, whether at the original site or elsewhere. This approach can lead to several benefits, including:
Improved habitat for wildlife: BNG ensures that the habitat for wildlife is in a better state than it was before development, contributing to the recovery of nature.
Enhanced human health and wellbeing: BNG can improve human health and wellbeing by creating new green spaces, improving existing spaces, and bringing nature closer to people.
Support for local communities: BNG can benefit local communities by providing high-quality natural surroundings within the development footprint or through biodiversity offsets that increase people's access to nature
Contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation: Restoring biodiversity can help mitigate climate change and adapt to its inevitable impacts, such as flooding and extreme weather events.
By integrating NCAs into the planning and implementation of BNG, developers and landowners can ensure that new developments contribute positively to the natural environment and local communities. This approach can help achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, ultimately leading to more sustainable and resilient landscapes.
In conclusion, National Character Areas play a vital role in the context of Biodiversity Net Gain. By considering NCAs in the planning and implementation of new developments, we can ensure that our landscapes remain diverse, healthy, and resilient, benefiting both wildlife and human communities.
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