Planning a development in Trafford? ProHort provides Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment and Biodiversity Gain Plan services to help developers, landowners, planning consultants and other project teams understand their biodiversity obligations and plan for measurable gains.
Trafford includes a wide variety of development settings, from established employment and urban areas to green spaces, waterways and the Mersey Valley. Each site presents different ecological considerations, so understanding the existing habitats early can help inform the design, planning strategy and approach to Biodiversity Net Gain.
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Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development that aims to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before. Where the statutory BNG requirement applies, developments generally need to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
For projects in Trafford, the starting point is understanding the habitats present before development takes place. A site within a built-up employment area may have a different habitat profile from land near a river corridor, established woodland, grassland or other green infrastructure.
Trafford’s planning context includes designated nature conservation sites, wildlife corridors, brownfield land and areas of open space. These features can be relevant when considering the ecological context of a site, although their presence and significance must be established for the individual project.
A well-planned BNG strategy can help identify habitat constraints and opportunities before designs are finalised. This may reduce the risk of avoidable redesign and help the project team make informed decisions about habitat retention, enhancement and any remaining biodiversity shortfall.Â
We support projects across the borough of Trafford, including areas such as Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston, Partington, Old Trafford, Timperley and the wider neighbourhoods within the Trafford local authority boundary.
A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment evaluates the biodiversity value of a site and helps determine how development could affect its habitats. It establishes a baseline using the applicable statutory biodiversity metric and provides information to guide the project’s approach to biodiversity gains.Â
A BNG assessment in Trafford may involve:
The scope of work depends on the site, proposed development, available ecological information and planning requirements. A BNG Assessment is not necessarily a substitute for other ecological surveys that may be needed to assess protected species or specific ecological constraints.Â
A Biodiversity Gain Plan sets out how a development subject to the statutory biodiversity gain condition will deliver the required biodiversity outcome. It brings together the relevant information about the site’s biodiversity baseline, the proposed development and the approach to achieving the required gain.
For a project in Trafford, the plan should reflect the actual site conditions and the proposed habitat changes rather than relying on a generic approach. The assessment and metric calculations provide an important evidence base for demonstrating how the development intends to meet its BNG requirements.
A Biodiversity Gain Plan may need to address matters such as:
The appropriate approach will depend on the project’s circumstances, the metric results and the planning authority’s requirements. For developments subject to the statutory biodiversity gain condition, the Biodiversity Gain Plan must be approved by the planning authority before development begins.
ProHort can support your project with both the initial BNG Assessment and preparation of the Biodiversity Gain Plan, helping maintain continuity between the assessment findings and the proposed biodiversity strategy.Â
BNG should be considered early enough to influence site layout, landscape design and habitat decisions. Leaving it until late in the planning process may limit the available options if existing habitats are affected or the proposed design does not deliver sufficient biodiversity value.
This is particularly relevant when a project involves previously developed land, employment sites, new housing, extensions or land near existing green infrastructure. The ecological opportunities and constraints will differ between sites, so the BNG approach should be based on site-specific evidence.
ProHort can help project teams understand the information needed for BNG, assess the implications of the habitat baseline and plan the next steps towards meeting applicable requirements.
Whether you are looking for a Biodiversity assessment in Trafford, a BNG metric calculation or a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Trafford, the first step is to establish what your project requires.Â
We discuss your development proposals, site location, available plans and any existing ecological information to establish the likely scope of the assessment. Â
The relevant habitats are assessed and mapped to establish the site’s existing biodiversity value. The survey requirements depend on the site and the information already available.
The applicable statutory biodiversity metric is used to calculate the baseline value and assess the proposed habitat changes.
We consider opportunities to retain and enhance existing habitats, create new habitats and identify any remaining shortfall that may need to be addressed through appropriate provision.Â
The assessment findings can inform the project’s BNG strategy and the preparation of the relevant documentation, including a Biodiversity Gain Plan where required.Â
Contact us and we’ll confirm exactly what your Trafford site requires and support a planning-ready, proportionate route forward.Â
Whether BNG applies depends on the type of development and the relevant statutory rules, including any applicable exemptions or transitional provisions. Where the requirement applies, an assessment is used to establish the site’s biodiversity baseline and inform how the development can achieve the required gain. The project’s planning status and circumstances should be checked before deciding what assessment work is needed.
Wildlife corridors can be relevant when considering habitat connectivity and the ecological context of a development site. Trafford Council’s planning mapping identifies wildlife corridors and nature conservation designations, but the implications for a particular proposal depend on its location and the habitats present. A site-specific assessment can help identify relevant features and inform opportunities to retain or enhance habitat connections.Â
Yes. Previously developed land can support habitats such as grassland, scrub, trees and other vegetation, depending on site conditions and management. Its former use does not automatically mean that the site has negligible biodiversity value. A habitat assessment is needed to establish the baseline and identify any features that may be affected by the proposed development.
The contents depend on the development and the scope of the commission. Relevant information may include habitat mapping, the biodiversity baseline, statutory metric calculations and an explanation of the proposed approach to achieving biodiversity gains. Additional plans or supporting documents may also be needed to meet the requirements of the particular application.Â
Where permitted under the applicable BNG rules, a development may be able to use eligible off-site biodiversity gains to address a remaining biodiversity shortfall. The biodiversity gain hierarchy must be followed, and off-site provision should not be assumed to replace opportunities to enhance habitats on the development site. The suitability of this option depends on the metric results, the proposed units and the relevant legal and registration requirements.Â
It is sensible to consider BNG during the early design and planning stages, when habitat retention and enhancement options can still influence the scheme. The assessment findings can help inform the biodiversity strategy before the final documentation is prepared. Where the statutory biodiversity gain condition applies, the Biodiversity Gain Plan must be approved by the planning authority before development begins.
