Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Wigan before you can start work?
Where Biodiversity Net Gain applies, a Biodiversity Gain Plan becomes the legal document that allows work to begin. We put that plan together clearly, correctly and in a format councils approve, so your project moves ahead.
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Biodiversity Net Gain is now a legal part of the planning process for most developments, and Wigan Council expects clear Biodiversity Gain Plan evidence before construction can begin. The Plan shows how a scheme will increase biodiversity from its confirmed baseline and provides the defendable Metric used to demonstrate compliance. Planning officers rely on this information to judge whether the uplift can be delivered in line with national policy and local ecological priorities. Where details are incomplete or unclear, applications in Wigan often face validation delays, making an accurate baseline and a workable uplift strategy essential for a smooth approval route.
Wigan Council frequently requests Biodiversity Gain Plan information for developments that may affect:
Well structured evidence supports timely validation and reduces the risk of planning delays.
We support projects across the Wigan borough, including Wigan town centre, Leigh, Atherton, Abram, Hindley, Orrell, Pemberton, Standish, Shevington, Tyldesley and all surrounding neighbourhoods within the local authority area.
Wigan Council encourages applicants to assess Biodiversity Net Gain early so the planning team can clearly understand how uplift will be delivered and secured. This usually involves confirming a defensible UKHab baseline, completing a Metric that outlines the change in biodiversity units and preparing a practical strategy for long term delivery and management. These steps align with national guidance in NPPF Section 15 and ensure the Plan is robust before it reaches validation.
Completing the baseline early also reduces the risk of design changes later and allows the planning process in Wigan to progress without avoidable delays.
We prepare compliant, planning-ready Biodiversity Gain Plans that meet Wigan’s policy requirements and keep your BNG on track.
For developments in Wigan, our Biodiversity Gain Plans provide the key information planning officers expect. Each Plan includes:
This format supports a smooth and lawful discharge of the BNG condition.
We assess your existing BNG assessment, site layout and planning condition.
Habitat delivery proposals, mapping and management requirements are drafted.
The plan is aligned with your build programme and any wider ecological or planning documents.
We respond to any LPA queries or amendments required.
Ready to secure approval and start on site? We’ll confirm what your Wigan site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
Yes. Most developments in Wigan that fall under Biodiversity Net Gain rules require an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan before work can begin.
This applies across councils such as:
Until the Plan is approved, the BNG condition cannot be discharged and development cannot lawfully proceed.
It is usually required after planning permission is granted but before Wigan Council can discharge the BNG condition. Development cannot start until the Plan is approved.
A confirmed baseline, a completed Metric, mapped habitat parcels and a clear strategy for delivering and managing biodiversity uplift.
No. If the permission includes a BNG condition, Wigan Council must approve the Plan before construction can legally start.
A qualified ecologist experienced in Biodiversity Net Gain and the Metric should prepare the Plan to meet Wigan Council’s submission expectations.
Off site biodiversity units within Greater Manchester may be used, with statutory credits considered only when no other delivery routes are available.
