Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Salford 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 now forms a mandatory part of the planning system, and Salford City Council applies these requirements across a wide range of development types. A Biodiversity Gain Plan must show how the ecological value of the site will improve from the confirmed baseline, supported by clear evidence and a defensible Metric. Planning officers rely on this document to check that the proposed uplift is deliverable, proportionate and in line with national expectations. When key information is unclear or missing, applications often face validation delays, so accurate baseline data and a well structured delivery strategy are essential for progressing a scheme in Salford.
Salford officers often request Biodiversity Gain Plan information where development may influence:
• Riverside, canal and dockland environments linked to the Irwell, Manchester Ship Canal and the inland waterways
• Regeneration and mixed use developments across areas such as Ordsall, Salford Quays and Chapel Street
• Former industrial land and brownfield plots where early stage habitats have developed
• Green corridors, railway lines and major transport routes that provide movement networks for wildlife
Clear and well presented Biodiversity Gain Plan evidence helps avoid validation issues and reduces the likelihood of planning delays in Salford.
We support projects across the Salford city area, including Salford Quays, Ordsall, Pendleton, Weaste, Eccles, Irlam, Swinton, Walkden, Worsley and all surrounding neighbourhoods within the Salford local authority boundary.
Salford City Council encourages applicants to address Biodiversity Net Gain requirements early so the planning team can fully understand how the uplift will be delivered. This typically involves confirming the ecological baseline, completing a Metric that shows the change in biodiversity units and preparing a clear strategy for securing the uplift over the long term. These steps reflect national policy under NPPF Section 15 and help ensure that BNG submissions are robust during planning review.
Establishing the baseline early reduces the need for later design changes and supports a smoother planning process in Salford.
We produce planning-ready BNG Assessments aligned to Salford’s policy expectations.
For developments in Salford, our Biodiversity Gain Plans provide the core information planning officers expect. Each Plan includes:
This structure supports a lawful and efficient discharge of the BNG condition in Salford.
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 Salford site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
Yes. Most developments in Salford that fall under BNG rules require an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan before works can begin.
Salford City Council – Planning Services:
https://www.salford.gov.uk/planning-building-and-regeneration/
Salford City Council – Planning Application Search:
https://publicaccess.salford.gov.uk/online-applications/
Manchester City Council – Planning Services (useful for boundary sites):
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/planning
Trafford Council – Planning Services (relevant for areas near Trafford Park):
https://www.trafford.gov.uk/planning
Until the Plan is approved, the BNG condition cannot be discharged and development cannot lawfully proceed.
The Plan is normally required after planning permission is granted but before Salford Council can discharge the BNG condition
A confirmed baseline, a completed Metric, mapped habitat parcels and a clear delivery strategy.
No. If a BNG condition is attached to your permission, the Plan must be approved before development can legally commence.
A qualified ecologist experienced in BNG and the Metric should prepare the Plan to meet Salford’s planning requirements.
Off site biodiversity units within Greater Manchester may be used, with statutory credits considered only when no other options exist.
