Natural Capital

From clean water and air to public recreation and biodiversity, natural capital has the potential to have a significant positive impact on the world we live in, and affect all property sectors.
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2023
Rural
Planning & Development
Natural Capital

Featured articles

Biodiversity net gain: a new statutory planning condition under the Environment Act 2021

Biodiversity net gain: a new statutory planning condition under the Environment Act 2021

From the 9th of November 2023, the Environment Act 2021 brings in a new statutory pre commencement planning condition which cannot be overridden on cost or viability grounds.
Biodiversity Net Gain Local Plans

Biodiversity Net Gain Local Plans

Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is on the horizon, and some local authorities have started to develop their planning framework accordingly. We analyse the progress that local authorities are making incorporating BNG into local plans. 
BNG to Local Plans in England

BNG to Local Plans in England

Our latest research on the introduction of BNG to Local Plans in England
From concept to reality: buying farms in Yorkshire for carbon sequestration, biodiversity and amenity

From concept to reality: buying farms in Yorkshire for carbon sequestration, biodiversity and amenity

In recent years, a new category of farmland buyer has become more prevalent in the market. They go by many names – environmental purchasers, tree planters, carbon offsetters, green investors – but they all share a similar goal.
How water quality, as a result of nitrates and phosphates, is impacting on development

How water quality, as a result of nitrates and phosphates, is impacting on development

Maintaining water quality is critical to human health and our natural environment. Its impact on the world of development is comparatively recent, but it is currently placing the delivery of tens of thousands of homes at risk. The consequences of the problem go beyond environmental matters and have a significant impact on broader social and economic considerations.
Land value capture and the impact of biodiversity net gain

Land value capture and the impact of biodiversity net gain

Appearing before the House of Lords' Built Environment Committee in November, as part of the inquiry into meeting the UK's housing demand, Housing minister Christopher Pincher said, ‘Land value capture is an important item in our considerations.
How will the introduction of biodiversity net gain impact development values?

How will the introduction of biodiversity net gain impact development values?

Is Biodiversity Net Gain (‘BNG’) a developer’s net loss, or can enhanced biodiversity add value to future development? We discuss the relationship between BNG and viability.
Biodiversity, Amenity and Diversification

Biodiversity, Amenity and Diversification

There have always been many reasons why people buy farmland and property, but we investigate a new wave of buyers, who want the land’s potential to deliver an alternative income, escapism, or sometimes both.
Putting down roots

Putting down roots

As the UK strives to hit ambitious environmental targets, landowners are fixing their gaze a little higher than usual. We look at the future of woodland and forestry for landowners and investors. 
Drinking water and new developments

Drinking water and new developments

On average, we each use 150 litres of water a day, or one tonne per week – and have housebuilding targets of 300,000 homes per year. We look at the importance of strategic planning in providing drinking water.

Nitrate Neutrality: solutions from the Solent

Nitrate Neutrality: solutions from the Solent

The problem of nitrate and phosphate neutrality is not new to the development industry. The Solent region was one of the first areas to hit the news in late 2019 with articles on how algae blooms within the river catchment was blocking up to 10,000 planned homes.
National Parks and AONBs

National Parks and AONBs

The Government commissioned a review of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Our Planning experts respond to suggested changes. 
Towards net-zero in the masterplanning process

Towards net-zero in the masterplanning process

Johnny Clayton and Glen Richardson of Carter Jonas’ Masterplanning team share their insight on how masterplanning can adapt to reduce carbon emissions.
Revisions to NPPF to address climate change

Revisions to NPPF to address climate change

The NPPF was revised in July 2021. Upon publication, it was immediately pointed out that the new version did not mention net zero and that although it referred to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development, it did little to demonstrate how these would be met.
Natural Capital: A New Asset Class

Natural Capital: A New Asset Class

2021 was not a year of significant change for the Estate.  Although opportunities and threats have been considered across all sectors of the Estate.
Phosphate Neutrality: What are the requirements in Somerset surrounding planning permission?

Phosphate Neutrality: What are the requirements in Somerset surrounding planning permission?

Phosphate neutrality: what are the requirements in Somerset surrounding planning permission?
Grant funding for natural capital: The Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund

Grant funding for natural capital: The Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund

The government has launched a grant funding scheme for natural capital projects. Here, we explain what you need to know.
How can rural landowners benefit from local housing development through biodiversity net gain?

How can rural landowners benefit from local housing development through biodiversity net gain?

Biodiversity net gain as a concept has its roots in the National Planning Policy Framework, and also features in the Environment Bill. It’s closely linked with the idea of natural capital, but has a more solid link with private-sector income generation than many other natural capital schemes.
What is Natural Capital

What is Natural Capital

Natural capital refers to all naturally occurring assets that provide a benefit to the environment or the population or the economy. But why are we talking about this now?
Making Natural Capital pay

Making Natural Capital pay

Rural View visited Gaynes Park Estate in Essex, where the team is looking to the future to identify new income streams through delivering environmental benefits.
Natural Capital | How far we have come & where are we going?

Natural Capital | How far we have come & where are we going?

Change is coming. We don’t know the rules of the game yet, and we can’t be sure who the winners and losers will be. But the one thing we know for certain is that natural capital is going to be the currency in this new world.
Roadmap to Sustainable farming: Carter Jonas advises businesses to prepare now for a new policy era

Roadmap to Sustainable farming: Carter Jonas advises businesses to prepare now for a new policy era

The importance of preparing farm and estate businesses now for a new era of agricultural and environmental policy has been reinforced in new analysis from Carter Jonas.