Developers in Scotland could soon have a clearer way of showing how major projects will improve nature, with a new planning tool designed to measure biodiversity before and after development.
NatureScot has opened a consultation on the Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric, with feedback being gathered until 30 November before a refined version of the tool is 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.
The metric is intended to provide a consistent method for calculating the biodiversity value of land and demonstrating how development will leave nature in a better condition.
Under Scotland’s National Planning Framework 4, large scale developments are required to deliver significant improvements for biodiversity.
The new tool begins with an assessment of habitats already present on a site, which could include grassland, peatland or woodland.
Developers can then calculate the biodiversity value before work begins and determine how much habitat would need to be created or restored to compensate for losses and provide an overall improvement.
That could mean creating green spaces designed for pollinators, connecting habitats to give wildlife more room to move or restoring areas damaged in the past.
Natural approaches to managing water could also form part of development plans, including the creation of wetlands and planting trees to slow water flow or improve drainage.
The consultation gives developers, planners and other interested parties an opportunity to test and comment on the working version of the metric, its user guide and the accompanying habitat condition assessment.
NatureScot Director of Green Economy Robbie Kernahan 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.”
The approach could have particular significance in areas experiencing substantial development, where renewable energy, housing, infrastructure and other major projects increasingly have to demonstrate how environmental improvements will be delivered alongside economic growth.
The consultation remains open until 30 November, giving those involved in Scotland’s planning and development system three months to help shape the final version before its planned introduction next spring.
