SCOTLAND’S nature agency has launched a consultation on a new planning tool designed to help developers calculate the value of biodiversity before and after development.
NatureScot is inviting people to share their views on the Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric.
As part of Scotland’s efforts to regenerate nature, it is a requirement under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) that large-scale developments significantly improve biodiversity.
Following an initial survey of habitats such as grassland, peatland or woodland, the tool will be used to calculate the value of biodiversity before development takes place. It will then let developers calculate how much habitat needs to be created or restored to replace and enhance any biodiversity lost through development.
Nature restoration measures could include creating pollinator-friendly green spaces and connecting wildlife habitats as well as natural flood management techniques.
The consultation will run until 30 November, with the refined tool being released in spring 2027.
People can take part in the consultation by visiting NatureScot’s website to give feedback on the working tool, user guide and habitat condition assessment.
Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot’s director of green economy, said, “Nature loss and climate change is everyone’s business and developers have an essential part to play in tackling the global crises. In Scotland, all large-scale development proposals need to show that they will leave biodiversity in a much better state than before. This supports our ambition to restore and regenerate Scotland’s nature by 2045.
“Working closely with partners, we’ve produced a planning tool that allows developers to calculate the value of biodiversity before and after development takes place and provides a consistent way to demonstrate benefits. We aim to publish a refined version of the tool in spring 2027, taking account of the consultation feedback.”
