At EcoAssistance, we help developers and landowners across Kent, Thanet, Canterbury, the wider South East and London meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements in a pragmatic, low-friction way.

We know you don’t have time for jargon or delays. You need clear advice, robust BNG reports and a smooth planning process – without unexpected costs or last-minute surprises. That’s exactly what we deliver.

Our ecologists and botanists specialise in turning complex BNG regulations into practical, buildable solutions that fit real-world projects:

• Residential schemes

• Commercial and mixed-use developments

• Small infill plots through to larger strategic sites

From the heart of Kent to boroughs on the edge of London, we combine local planning knowledge with technical expertise so you can move through planning with confidence.

Making Biodiversity Net Gain a Planning Asset – Not a Hurdle

BNG is now a mandatory part of the planning system. Under the Environment Act and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), developments must deliver measurable biodiversity gains, typically at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) can set higher or specific requirements, so local policy must be checked carefully. Some LPAs (for example, Maidstone Borough Council) explicitly require a minimum 20% BNG as part of their planning strategy.

At EcoAssistance, we turn this from a box-ticking exercise into a clear, structured route to approval:

• We identify what’s realistically achievable on-site

• We highlight where off-site gains or habitat creation may be needed

• We help you avoid redesigns, refusals, or late-stage surprises

Fast, Clear BNG Surveys, Mapping & Reporting

We use BNG-trained professional botanists and ecologists to survey your site and produce everything you need for a valid, policy-compliant submission.

Our BNG service typically includes:

• BNG baseline habitat survey by qualified ecologists

• QGIS habitat mapping for the existing site and proposed layout

• Full BNG metric calculations for:

• Existing baseline habitat

• Proposed on-site habitat

• Any proposed off-site habitat or units

• Clear, planning-ready BNG report tailored to your LPA’s requirements

• Architect-friendly summary sheet so your design team can drop the right figures straight into the planning forms

• Optional Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans to support long-term delivery and management obligations

For small sites, our BNG assessments start from £950, including:

• Site survey

• Desktop data search

• Full BNG metric calculations

• BNG report suitable for planning validation

Designed Around the Way Developers Actually Work

We know BNG is just one part of a long list of planning requirements. Our approach is built around:

• Speed – baseline surveys and draft reports turned around quickly

• Clarity – no dense, unreadable documents; we explain what matters in plain English

• Buildability – habitat proposals that work with your layout, phasing and budget

• Local focus – deep understanding of Kent, South East and London planning policies

With EcoAssistance, biodiversity net gain isn’t just another obstacle – it becomes a managed risk and, in many cases, a positive selling point for planners, communities, and future buyers.

Why developers choose EcoAssistance for BNG:

• Specialist Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) consultants based in Kent

• Coverage across Kent, Thanet, Canterbury, the South East and London

• Pragmatic, developer-friendly advice – no unnecessary gold-plating

• Fast BNG baseline surveys and QGIS habitat mapping

• Full BNG metric calculations for baseline and proposed layouts

• Planning-ready BNG reports that meet LPA validation requirements

• Architect information cover sheet for quick, accurate submissions

• Support with Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans

• Transparent pricing – BNG assessments from £950 for small sites

• Focus on avoiding delays, redesigns and planning refusals