Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Oldham 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 statutory part of the planning system, and Oldham Council requires Biodiversity Gain Plans to demonstrate how development will deliver a measurable increase in habitat value. The Plan builds on a verified ecological baseline, showing how biodiversity will improve over the lifetime of the project.
Clear evidence and a defensible Metric are essential, as planning officers rely on this information when determining whether proposals meet both national and local expectations. Applications in Oldham can be delayed when BNG information is incomplete, so a well structured Plan is key to maintaining programme certainty.
BNG evidence is often required in Oldham where development may influence:
Providing structured BNG information helps avoid validation delays and ensures planning officers can review submissions confidently.
We support developments throughout the Oldham borough, including Oldham town centre, Chadderton, Failsworth, Royton, Crompton, Shaw, Lees, Saddleworth, Greenfield, Uppermill and all surrounding neighbourhoods within the local authority boundary.
Oldham Council encourages early submission of ecological baseline information so the design process aligns with BNG requirements from the outset. This typically includes a verified UKHab baseline, a completed Metric showing change in biodiversity units and a realistic uplift strategy linked to site conditions. These steps follow guidance within NPPF Section 15 and support a strong and defensible planning submission. Confirming the baseline early reduces the likelihood of later redesign and helps keep the planning process efficient.
We prepare compliant, planning-ready Biodiversity Gain Plans that meet Oldham’s policy requirements and keep your BNG on track.
For developments in Oldham, each Biodiversity Gain Plan provides the information expected by planning officers:
This structure supports a clean and compliant route to discharging BNG conditions.
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 Oldham site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
Yes. Most developments in Oldham that fall under Biodiversity Net Gain rules require an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan before work can begin onsite.
This applies across councils such as:
Until the Plan is approved, the BNG condition cannot be discharged and development cannot lawfully proceed.
After planning permission is granted and before the BNG condition can be discharged. Development cannot legally start until Oldham Council approves the Plan.
A verified baseline, a completed Metric, mapped habitat parcels and a clear strategy that shows how uplift will be delivered and maintained.
For most Oldham sites, an initial Biodiversity Gain Plan can typically be prepared within 10 working days, subject to habitat data availability and site complexity. Timescales may increase where off-site units, phased development or large sites are involved.
Off site units within Greater Manchester may be used. Statutory credits are a last resort where no other delivery route is available.
A qualified ecologist experienced in BNG legislation and the Metric should prepare the Plan.
