Biodiversity Net Gain aimed to ensure developers, local authorities and other relevant bodies improved habitats affected by development, leaving them in a better condition than before development. It was due to become a mandatory part of the planning system in England from this November.
Andrew McLaughlin, CEO of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, says:
"Biodiversity Net Gain was intended to pave the way for developers to play their part in enhancing the natural environment, a vital step considering the UK's position as one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth.
Many developers, local authorities and conservationists have embraced this opportunity and spent the last two years getting ready for the introduction of BNG this November.
"Some counties have been working with Biodiversity Net Gain for years and, through the Gloucestershire Nature & Climate Fund, we have a local approach that is waiting to go.
"We have every reason and a great opportunity to get on with the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain and shouldn’t let central government’s cold feet get in the way in of nature’s recovery in Gloucestershire.
"This 11th hour delay sends a worrying signal about the government’s ambitions for nature; muddying the waters and creating a hesitancy that the natural world can’t afford."