HMMP Explained: Your 30-Year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan

What Is an HMMP?

A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) is a detailed document that sets out how newly created, enhanced, and retained habitats on your development site will be managed and monitored for a minimum of 30 years. It follows the Natural England JP058 template structure and is a mandatory part of your BNG submission.

Why Is the HMMP Important?

The HMMP is the legal mechanism that ensures your biodiversity gains are actually delivered and maintained. Without it, your planning application will be incomplete and your local planning authority (LPA) will not approve your Biodiversity Gain Plan.

What Does an HMMP Include?

A compliant HMMP typically includes:

• Site background — baseline conditions, development context, and habitat mapping
• Habitat prescriptions — detailed creation, enhancement, and management instructions for each habitat parcel
• Monitoring methodology — what to measure, when to visit, and how to assess condition
• 30-year monitoring schedule — specific dates for each monitoring event
• Remedial actions — what to do if habitats fail to reach target condition
• Governance — who is responsible, legal mechanisms, and reporting obligations

How Much Does an HMMP Cost?

If commissioned separately from an ecology consultant, an HMMP typically costs £2,000 to £5,000 on top of the BNG assessment fee. With BioNetGain Pro, the HMMP is generated automatically and included free with every BNG submission pack.