Contact our offices
Main office
COLBURN
5 & 6 BAILEY COURT
COLBURN BUSINESS PARK
RICHMOND
NORTH YORKSHIRE
DL9 4QL
Estate Agency Offices are located in
BARNARD CASTLE, LEYBURN & STOKESLEY
Residential Management Team
Our Offices
A GSC Grays Service
We are working closely with local authorities, landowners and developers to monitor and develop the market for biodiversity offsetting in our region.
Biodiversity Net Gain
An emerging market
The principle of ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’, set out in the Environment Bill 2020, requires developers not just to offset any biodiversity that is lost as a consequence of developing land, but to deliver a net gain in biodiversity of at least 10%. The amount of the offset requirement and the additional 10% gain, is measured in biodiversity units, which are calculated using the Biodiversity Metric 2.0 designed by DEFRA.
The protocols and systems required to deliver these gains are still being worked out by the public and private sector alike, but we expect the requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain to create new demand for offsetting sites.
Offsetting sites
What makes a site suitable for biodiversity offsetting?
Offsetting sites (or ‘receptor sites’) will need to have potential for habitat enhancement or creation, but do not necessarily need to be of high biodiversity value at present. As the objective is to deliver a significant gain in biodiversity, a low baseline may in some cases make this easier to achieve.
Sites that are close to urban areas may have greater value as receptor sites, as there is likely to be an incentive for developers to offset within the same locality as the development where possible, but scale is also important, so a large site in a remote location could still be valuable, particularly for developers with large offsetting requirements.
If you are interested in finding out more about Biodiversity Net Gain, or would like to discuss the potential opportunities for offsetting on your land, we are ready to help.
Environmental Management Services
Natural Capital & Environmental Reviews
We can provide a holistic appraisal of the environmental opportunities and risks on your land.
Environmental Management Services
Environmental Stewardship & Land Management Schemes
We design and deliver environmental schemes that produce optimal results for the environment and for your land and business.
Planning & Development
Development Appraisals
Our team’s experience of development and local agency knowledge means that they are ideally placed to appraise the value of your development and advise on the practicalities of delivery.
Planning & Development
Planning Applications
Planning is an increasingly complex area and with their in-depth knowledge our staff are able to best advise you on the technical work that might be required in support of your planning application.
Estates, Farms & Land
Valuations & Surveys
In an increasingly complex and regulated environment, GSC Grays will work with you to determine the exact nature of the report that you require and tailor the valuation to those requirements.
Estates, Farms & Land
Estate & Land Management
As a modern business with traditional values, we offer professional, practical and discreet advice that you can rely on.
Estates, Farms & Land
Farm Business
Our dedicated Farm Business Consultancy Team combines in-depth local knowledge with nationally renowned technical and business management expertise.
Estates, Farms & Land
Energy
We have been delivering successful renewable projects for over 15 years and we continue to look towards the latest technologies to bring opportunities for energy generation to your land.
GSC Grays
GSC Grays are experts in rural land and property. You can find all the information you need about the sectors that we specialise in, from estate agency to environmental management. We are here to help you to achieve your goals for your rural property, business, farm or estate, today and for generations to come.