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, BOROUGHBRIDGE & RICHMOND
Residential Management Team
Our Offices
- Alnwick
01665 568310
Email Officealnwick@gscgrays.co.uk - Barnard Castle
01833 637000
Email Officebarnardcastle@gscgrays.co.uk - Boroughbridge
01423 590500
Email Officeboroughbridge@gscgrays.co.uk - Chester-Le-Street
0191 3039540
Email Officechester-le-street@gscgrays.co.uk - Colburn
01748 897630
Email Officecolburn@gscgrays.co.uk - Hamsterley
01388 487000
Email Officehamsterley@gscgrays.co.uk - Hexham
01434 611565
Email Officehexham@gscgrays.co.uk - Kirkby Lonsdale
01524 880320
Email Officekirkbylonsdale@gscgrays.co.uk - Penrith
01768 597005
Email Officepenrith@gscgrays.co.uk
A GSC Grays Service
Biodiversity Net Gain
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
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a new requirement introduced by the Environment Act 2021. It obliges developers to deliver a 10% gain in biodiversity compared to pre-development levels. Some developers may need to fund habitat creation or restoration ‘off site’ to achieve this target. This will generate opportunities for landowners, farmers and land managers to be paid for undertaking habitat conservation activities on their land. The net gain requirement is measured in biodiversity units (BDUs), which are calculated using the Biodiversity Metric, designed by DEFRA.
If the required 10% net gain in biodiversity is to be delivered offsite, then the developer and a receptive landowner will need to agree terms for this. The minimum length of a BNG project is 30 years.
GSC Grays can offer a comprehensive BNG service for both landowners and developers. This service is informed by:
- expertise in emerging nature markets
- early trials work with DEFRA
- professionals with specialist knowledge in both environmental management and development
- engagement with DEFRA regarding the online National BNG Register
- the successful delivery of habitat restoration and creation projects
- our appreciation of the demands and requirements of both parties
All our services are delivered by specialist consultants and agents from our Environment & Sustainability or Planning & Development teams.
Biodiversity Net Gain projects
What makes a site suitable for Biodiversity Net Gain?
To be suitable for a biodiversity net gain project a site will need to have potential for habitat enhancement or creation; it does 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.
Developers will be incentivised to deliver biodiversity gain within the same local authority as the development, so supply and demand for biodiversity units may vary regionally. Sites that are close to areas where there is large scale development may therefore have greater value, but a site with significant opportunities for gain in a remote location could also be attractive to a developer looking for a single site to deliver on a large net gain requirement.
Unlike national agri-environment schemes, management of biodiversity net gain projects can be tailored to the specific site and context. Suitable projects may include arable reversion to grassland, restoration of species rich grassland, improving the condition of existing woodlands or creation of new habitats such as scrub or wetlands.
If you are interested in finding out more about Biodiversity Net Gain call us on 01524 880320.
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
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
CORE SECTORS
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.
Client Feedback
We have had the pleasure of servicing a variety of clients...
During 2020 Holly Story has worked on Barningham Estate helping us in our understanding of Natural Capital assets. Holly was instrumental in Barningham’s successful ELMs Test and Trial bid and is leading in the bid’s implementation. Her understanding and thought leadership are helping to bring clarity and good sense to what seems an increasingly complicated agricultural world.
Sir Edward Milbank
Barningham Estate
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© COPYRIGHT GSC GRAYS LIMITED
TRADING AS GSC GRAYS (ENGLAND AND WALES). COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 07715034.
REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS:
1 BAILEY COURT, COLBURN BUSINESS PARK, RICHMOND, NORTH YORKSHIRE DL9 4QL
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, BOROUGHBRIDGE & RICHMOND
Residential Management Team
Our Offices
- Alnwick
01665 568310
alnwick@gscgrays.co.uk - Barnard Castle
01833 637000
barnardcastle@gscgrays.co.uk - Boroughbridge
01423 590500
boroughbridge@gscgrays.co.uk - Chester-Le-Street
0191 3039540
chester-le-street@gscgrays.co.uk - Colburn
01748 897630
colburn@gscgrays.co.uk - Hamsterley
01388 487000
hamsterley@gscgrays.co.uk - Hexham
01434 611565
hexham@gscgrays.co.uk - Kirkby Lonsdale
01524 880320
kirkbylonsdale@gscgrays.co.uk - Penrith
01768 597005
penrith@gscgrays.co.uk
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