Biodiversity Gain Plan in Wigan
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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Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Wigan?
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:
- river corridors associated with the Douglas, the Irwell tributaries and connected floodplain habitat
- brownfield and former industrial land that now supports early stage habitat
- local parks, woodland edges and neighbourhood greenspaces used by wildlife
- canal corridors, rail routes and active travel networks that function as linear habitat connections
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.
Why Planning Authorities in Wigan Request a Biodiversity Gain Plan
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.
Local Case Insight
How the Biodiversity Gain Plan Process Works
We prepare compliant, planning-ready Biodiversity Gain Plans that meet Wigan’s policy requirements and keep your BNG on track.
Key BGP Deliverables for Wigan Projects
For developments in Wigan, our Biodiversity Gain Plans provide the key information planning officers expect. Each Plan includes:
- a clear strategy showing how biodiversity uplift will be delivered on the site
- mapped habitat parcels across the development linked directly to the Metric
- optional long term management content suitable for the HMMP
- a submission ready document prepared for Wigan Council approval
This format supports a smooth and lawful discharge of the BNG condition.
Step 1
Initial review
We assess your existing BNG assessment, site layout and planning condition.
Step 2
Plan preparation
Habitat delivery proposals, mapping and management requirements are drafted.
Step 3
Coordination stage
The plan is aligned with your build programme and any wider ecological or planning documents.
Step 4
Submission and support
We respond to any LPA queries or amendments required.
Next Steps
Ready to secure approval and start on site? We’ll confirm what your Wigan site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
FAQ - BGP in Wigan
Do I need a Biodiversity Gain Plan for development in Wigan?
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:
- Wigan Council – Planning Applications
https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Planning-and-Building-Control/Planning/index.aspx - Bolton Council – Planning and Building Control
https://www.bolton.gov.uk/planning-building-control - St Helens Council – Planning Services
https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/planning - Salford City Council – Planning Applications
https://www.salford.gov.uk/planning-building-and-regeneration/planning-applications/
Until the Plan is approved, the BNG condition cannot be discharged and development cannot lawfully proceed.
When must the Biodiversity Gain Plan be submitted in Wigan?
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.
What must a Biodiversity Gain Plan include for a Wigan planning application?
A confirmed baseline, a completed Metric, mapped habitat parcels and a clear strategy for delivering and managing biodiversity uplift.
Can a Wigan development begin without an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan?
No. If the permission includes a BNG condition, Wigan Council must approve the Plan before construction can legally start.
Who should prepare a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Wigan?
A qualified ecologist experienced in Biodiversity Net Gain and the Metric should prepare the Plan to meet Wigan Council’s submission expectations.
What if my Wigan site cannot achieve the uplift onsite?
Off site biodiversity units within Greater Manchester may be used, with statutory credits considered only when no other delivery routes are available.
