BNG Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring Survey Richmond upon Thames, London: Twickenham, Putney, Barnes
Richmond upon Thames is South-West London's greenest borough — home to Richmond Park, the Thames riverside, Barnes Wetlands, and extensive green corridors. With specific BNG monitoring fees published by the council, and requirements shaped by the borough's rich biodiversity, BNG in Richmond requires understanding the local framework.
Richmond Council BNG Requirements
| Requirement | Detail | | --- | --- | | Minimum BNG | 10% net gain using Defra's Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 | | HMMP Required | Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan for all BNG applications | | Legal Agreement | Section 106 or conservation covenant — 30-year minimum | | Mandatory since | 12 February 2024 (major sites); 2 April 2024 (small sites) | | Strategic significance | Rate "high" for sites near Richmond BAP areas and SINCs |
Richmond Council BNG Monitoring Fees (2025)
Richmond has published specific BNG monitoring fees — unique among London boroughs:
| Application Type | Monitoring Fee (inc VAT) | | --- | --- | | Major applications | £13,611 | | Minor applications | £7,055 | | Officer additional work | £54–£300 per hour |
Fees are indexed annually and cover the council's administration and monitoring over the 30-year period. Most councils prefer a single upfront Section 106 fee.
Richmond-Specific Considerations
| Factor | Impact on BNG | | --- | --- | | Richmond Park | Site of Special Scientific Interest — receptor site potential for off-site BNG | | Barnes Wetlands | Local nature reserve — ecological corridors to consider | | Thames riverside | Blue Ribbon Network — habitat corridor assessment | | SINCs | Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation throughout borough | | Richmond BAP | Biodiversity Action Plan areas require "high" strategic significance in metric | | Twickenham Stadium | Large sports venue developments — significant ecological impact |
For major developments, the statutory biodiversity metric must be completed by a CIEEM-qualified ecologist.
What's Included in a BNG Monitoring Survey (Richmond)
| Component | Description | | --- | --- | | Baseline habitat survey | UK Hab classification of existing habitats | | Biodiversity Metric 4.0 calculation | Pre-development biodiversity value (CIEEM ecologist for major) | | Biodiversity Gain Plan | 30-year management plan for Richmond submission | | SINC proximity assessment | Assessment for sites near SINCs | | HMMP drafting | Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan |
30-Year Monitoring Schedule (Richmond)
| Year | Activity | | --- | --- | | Pre-development | Baseline survey + Biodiversity Gain Plan + draft HMMP | | Year 1 | Monitoring report (Richmond ecology officer review) | | Years 2–4 | Desk-based updates, occasional spot checks | | Year 5 | Full HMMP review, habitat condition survey, data submission | | Years 6–9 | Desk-based updates | | Year 10 | Full monitoring report | | Years 11–19 | As required | | Year 20 | Full monitoring report + metric update | | Years 21–29 | As required | | Year 30 | Final compliance survey |
BNG Monitoring Survey Costs in Richmond (2025)
| Cost Component | Range (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | BNG initial assessment | £1,500–£10,000+ | | Biodiversity Metric (CIEEM ecologist for major) | £800–£3,000 | | Biodiversity Gain Plan | £800–£2,500 | | HMMP drafting | £500–£2,000 | | Richmond council monitoring fee (major) | £13,611 (inc VAT) | | Richmond council monitoring fee (minor) | £7,055 (inc VAT) | | Off-site BNG units | From £5,000 per hectare |
Areas in Richmond We Cover
Ice Labz provides BNG monitoring surveys across TW9, TW10, TW11, TW12, TW13, SW13, SW14, SW15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did BNG become mandatory in Richmond?
BNG became compulsory from 12 February 2024 (major sites) and 2 April 2024 (small sites) under the Environment Act 2021.
Q: What are Richmond's specific BNG monitoring fees?
Richmond has published fees: £13,611 inc VAT for major applications and £7,055 inc VAT for minor applications. These are indexed annually.
Q: Can Richmond Park be used for off-site BNG?
Richmond Park is an SSSI — development contributions near Richmond Park require careful ecological assessment. Receptor site potential should be discussed with Richmond's ecology officer.
Q: What does "strategic significance high" mean for my Richmond development?
Sites in or near Richmond Biodiversity Action Plan areas and SINCs should be rated "high" in the statutory biodiversity metric. This affects the BNG calculation and may increase the required net gain.
Q: Who conducts BNG monitoring surveys in Richmond?
For major developments, a CIEEM-qualified ecologist must complete the statutory biodiversity metric. For minor developments, a competent ecologist with appropriate experience.
Q: Can the council monitoring fee be paid in instalments?
Most councils prefer a single upfront Section 106 payment. Discuss payment terms with Richmond's planning obligations team.