This seminar will provide an overview of opportunities for your land for development and biodiversity net gain and include information on planning, legal and tax considerations.

Part 1 – Planning, development land and agreements
In the first section you will receive an update on the planning system – where we are right now and what changes are on the including particular challenges for the East of England region.  You will hear about option and promotion agreements and the pitfalls to avoid in negotiating these.  

Part 2 – Providing land for biodiversity net gain
You will receive an introduction to the principles behind biodiversity net gain and the different types of agreements for providing land for biodiversity offsetting, and hear about case studies of real projects.  You will be given a breakdown of the legal aspects to consider as well as an overview of the current tax considerations. 

Seminar agenda 

9.30am Arrival with tea, coffee and pastries
10.00am Introduction from Cath Crowther CLA East Regional Director

Part 1 – Planning, development land and agreements

Planning introduction - David Fovargue, Marrons Planning 
An update on the planning system – where we are right now, what changes are on the horizon (including the
        Levelling Up Bill, 10% BNG in 2023, Michael Gove’s agenda) and particular challenges for the East of England
 
Commercial aspects of development, Nick Harper, Hawkspur 
Option and promotion agreements, what to look out for and how to avoid pitfalls
 
Tax treatment - option v promotion agreements, Gavin Birchell, Scrutton Bland 
Headline CGT and VAT issues to be aware of in relation to the sale of development land
 
Q&A panel session followed by a break
 
Part 2 – Providing land for biodiversity net gain (BNG)

An introduction to biodiversity net gain, Susan Twining, CLA 
Background to BNG, how to access the market, Defra guidance, key things to consider and support available
         from the CLA

The different types of biodiversity offsetting agreements, Sophia Key, Birketts
        Different BNG models for landowners and points to look out for when negotiating these arrangements

Case studies and examples of biodiversity net gain projects, Kerriann McLackland, Environment Bank 
The Environment Bank model and case studies– what those projects look like now and where they will be in 30
                 years. 

Tax considerations with BNG agreements, James Tucker and Gavin Birchell, Scrutton Bland 
A guide to the potential CGT and IHT implications of entering into a biodiversity net gain agreement. 
         How can landowners protect the tax reliefs available?
 
Q&A panel session

12.30pm  Lunch and networking opportunity 

Tea, coffee and pastries will be served on arrival and a two-course lunch will be served during the post presentations. For more information, please contact the CLA East office on 01638 590429 or email east@cla.org.uk.