Is Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory in Greater Manchester?
Mandatory 10% BNG normally applies to qualifying development throughout England, including Greater Manchester. However, exemptions, application dates and site features matter. Ecology or protected-species evidence may still be necessary when statutory BNG is exempt.
Which Greater Manchester councils use Places for Everyone?
Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. It was adopted on 21 March 2024. Stockport did not join the plan and uses its own adopted planning framework.
Does Stockport have additional BNG planning application requirements?
Yes. Stockport's published guidance asks applicable applicants for a draft Biodiversity Gain Plan, Stockport BNG Statement, appropriate metric workbook and baseline GIS mapping. Check the current local list and national exemption rules for your application.
Does Greater Manchester require 20% BNG?
No verified city-region-wide 20% requirement applies automatically. National statutory BNG is normally 10%. The September 2026 NPPF restricts additional locally required gains above that level to justified and deliverable specific site allocations.
Are developments on sites below 0.2 hectares exempt?
Qualifying applications made from 6 August 2026 can be exempt where the full red-line site is 0.2 hectares or less and no onsite priority habitat is affected. Transitional and section 73 details need checking. Other ecological duties still apply.
When was the Greater Manchester LNRS published?
The Mayor approved the strategy for publication on 4 September 2025. It contains a Nature Network map and habitat recovery priorities across all ten districts, including Stockport.
Does the GM Nature Network map automatically give a 15% metric uplift?
No. The proposed habitat must meet the statutory strategic-significance rules and match an appropriate mapped action. The map is evidence, not a substitute for survey or an automatic unit generator.
Do Sites of Biological Importance and SACs count as BNG units?
Their habitat value may be relevant to a baseline, but protected-site policies and Habitats Regulations duties are separate. BNG cannot simply offset harm to Manchester Mosses, South Pennine Moors or Rochdale Canal protected habitats.
Do I need the final Biodiversity Gain Plan before permission is granted?
Nationally, the final Biodiversity Gain Plan is usually approved after permission and before commencement. Some LPAs, including Stockport, request draft information with the original application. Check the council's local validation list.
Can I purchase registered off-site units outside Greater Manchester?
Potentially, subject to registration, correct unit allocation, trading rules and the metric's spatial-risk treatment. An advertised habitat bank is not proof that suitable units are available to your development.
Which biodiversity metric version applies in November 2026?
The current published statutory biodiversity metric on 8 November 2026 is version 1.1.0, updated 3 November. Always confirm the version at assessment time. The Small Sites Metric is available only for eligible schemes.
What information does ACP need for a BNG quotation?
Send the postcode and red-line plan, project type, proposed layout, survey history and planning deadline. Tell us the council and whether a river, woodland, moorland or protected site may be affected.
