Developing or submitting a planning application in Bury and require Biodiversity Net Gain?
BNG is now a mandatory requirement – we specialise in providing compliant reports to achieve planning consent.
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Biodiversity Net Gain is now a standard expectation for most developments, and Bury Council applies this requirement to a wide range of planning proposals. Each scheme must demonstrate how the biodiversity value of the site will improve beyond the confirmed baseline, supported by clear ecological evidence and a defensible Metric. Planning officers use this information to assess whether the proposal aligns with national policy and Bury’s local priorities. When BNG information is incomplete or unclear, applications often face validation delays, so accurate baseline data and a well structured uplift strategy are essential for a smooth planning process in Bury.
Planning officers in Bury regularly request BNG information for developments that may affect key habitat networks, including:
• River corridors associated with the Irwell, the Roch and connected tributaries
• Former mill sites, industrial plots and regeneration areas with developing habitat
• Local parks, woodland edges and greenspace that support wildlife movement
• Rail routes, valley systems and other transport corridors that act as linked habitat zones
Clear and well presented BNG evidence helps avoid validation problems and reduces the likelihood of planning delays in Bury.
We support projects across the Bury borough, working in areas such as Bury town centre, Prestwich, Whitefield, Radcliffe, Tottington, Ramsbottom, Pimhole and the wider neighbourhoods within the Bury local authority boundary.
Bury Council encourages applicants to address BNG requirements early in the design process so the planning team can clearly understand how the necessary uplift in biodiversity will be achieved. This usually involves confirming a reliable ecological baseline, completing a Metric that shows changes in biodiversity units and preparing a clear plan for delivering and securing the uplift. These steps follow national policy under NPPF Section 15 and strengthen the credibility of BNG submissions during planning review.
Establishing the baseline at an early stage helps reduce the risk of later redesign and supports a smoother route through the Bury planning system.
We produce planning-ready BNG Assessments aligned to Bury’s policy expectations.
For developments in Bury, our BNG assessments provide the key information planning officers expect. Each assessment includes:
• a verified UKHab baseline
• a clear and defensible Metric
• a practical uplift approach suited to the site
• planning ready reporting for validation
• optional long term management and gain plan material
This structure aligns with Bury Council requirements and provides a straightforward route to demonstrating BNG.
Year-round, with optimal survey seasons
Completed once habitat data is verified.
Aligned with design progression and layout refinement.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Contact us and we’ll confirm exactly what your Bury site requires and support a planning-ready, proportionate route forward.
Yes. Most developments in Bury require BNG evidence to validate a planning application, including a clear baseline and measurable uplift.
You can review local planning guidance here:
Sites near the River Irwell, the River Roch, former industrial land, valley systems, parks and transport corridors often require detailed BNG assessment.
As early as possible. Early baseline work helps avoid redesign later and supports smooth validation with Bury Council.
A UKHab baseline, a completed Metric, habitat mapping and a clear plan showing how biodiversity uplift will be delivered and secured.
Only in certain cases defined by national policy. Many smaller plots in Bury still require BNG assessment due to their ecological context.
Off site biodiversity units within Greater Manchester may be used. Statutory credits apply only when no other options are available.
