Local Planning Authorities

Harnessing Drones and AI to Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Local Planning

Drones and artificial intelligence (AI) offer powerful tools for local planning authorities to meet the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) — a planning policy aimed at leaving the natural environment in a measurably better state than before development.

1. Efficient Habitat Mapping and Baseline Assessment
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors can quickly and accurately survey large or inaccessible areas. This data can be used to map existing habitats, assess vegetation health, and identify protected or priority species. When combined with AI algorithms, drone imagery can be automatically classified into different habitat types in accordance with DEFRA’s biodiversity metric. This significantly reduces the time and cost involved in conducting baseline ecological assessments.

2. Monitoring and Compliance Over Time
Post-development, drones can be used for regular monitoring of sites to ensure that habitat creation or enhancement commitments are being delivered. AI can detect changes in land cover and habitat quality, helping authorities track progress and flag deviations from approved plans. This supports enforcement and ensures developments deliver the promised biodiversity outcomes.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making
AI models can analyze environmental, ecological, and geospatial data to predict the impact of proposed developments on local biodiversity. This allows planning officers to make more informed decisions, ensuring that BNG requirements are met not just in theory, but in practice. AI can also help identify the most suitable sites for habitat compensation and inform green infrastructure planning.

4. Streamlined Reporting and Transparency
Using drones and AI helps standardise ecological data collection and reporting. Outputs can be integrated into GIS platforms or planning portals, making it easier to communicate biodiversity impacts and gains to stakeholders, including developers, ecologists, and the public.