Oldham Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
The Oldham Planning Portal is an online resource designed to enable efficient access to planning information and services for residents and developers in Oldham. It serves as a central hub for submitting and managing planning applications, checking their progress, and accessing information about local planning policies.
The Oldham Planning Portal also raises the key issue of ecological sustainability, which potential developers must take into consideration when embarking on a new project. Many ecological requirements must be met to ensure that new developments align with local ecological standards. This often includes protecting biodiversity, mitigating any environmental impact the development may have and conserving natural habitats that may be present on the land.
Ensuring a clear understanding of potential environmental challenges increases the likelihood of a project landing with its intention. At Collington Winter Environmental, our consultants offer a wide range of assistance in meeting planning permission requirements with regard to environmental concerns. We can provide a professional to undertake any necessary surveys to identify and mitigate the presence of protected species, all whilst making sure mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain principles are achieved.
You can access the Oldham Planning Portal here.
The Planning Application Process
Applying for planning permission through the Oldham Planning Portal involves several steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Preparing the application
Prepare necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (accessed on the portal).
- Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g. floor plans, elevations).
- Supporting statements, such as a Design and Access Statement, ecological reports, or heritage assessments (if applicable).
- Biodiversity net gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvementto the local area), which has been mandatory since 12 February 2024.
Submitting the application
- Fill out the online planning application, including all project details.
- Attach all required plans, including any supporting information.
Consultation
- Once validated, the Oldham Council will publicise the application with potential notices and notify any nearby properties.
- Relevant stakeholders, including neighbours and statutory bodies, will be invited to provide feedback on the project.
Assessment
- Your application will be reviewed by planning officers. Factors such as local planning policies, environmental impacts, and public feedback will all be assessed.
- If necessary, the proposal may need modification to address specific concerns.
- Ecological issues will be considered; unless accepted as proposed, you may need to modify/update your BNG proposal. Questions may be raised as to the proposed modifications in place for any protected species on the development. In this case, we can assist with any necessary changes and progress made to your application.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, the planning officers will make the decision.
- For larger projects, the application may be assessed by the planning committee for a decision.
- You will be notified of the decision in writing, and this will also be published on the portal.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered within the Planning Permission Process?
During the process of applying for planning permission on the Oldham Planning Portal, ecological limitations may need to be considered. Common ecological requirements include:
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Since February 2024, it has been mandatory for project developers to ensure any local development improves the surrounding ecological habitat by at least 10%, either through the creation of new habitats or the purchase of off-site units to relocate and offset the creation of habitat.
- Protected Species Assessment: Assessment of whether any legally protected species are present on the development site. This can include endangered animals such as bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles may be required.
- Tree Surveys: The possibility of any damage to the health, structure and stability of existing trees due to the development may need to be assessed
- Ecological surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments identifying any existing flora, fauna, and habitats.
- Landscape surveys: For larger developments, the impact on the local landscape must be considered. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly inspects and assesses proposed local developments, ensuring they are in line with the requirements of the local area.
- Ecological Clerk of Works: At Collington Winter Environmental, we can provide an Ecological Clerk of Works to oversee any habitat mitigation or creation during any tricky aspects or development, ensuring minimal harm to any local protected species and that habitats are created with the correct specifications.
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application on the Oldham Planning Portal?
Collington Winter Environmental can assist you with any intended development applications. We understand that ensuring a positive impact on the surrounding ecology is a high priority for any stakeholders involved.
Alongside the use of the Oldham Planning Portal, we can support project developments by providing all necessary ecological assessments and recommendations, whilst ensuring compliance with Oldham City Council requirements.
If you would like to find out more about our services, contact us using the form below. You can also contact us via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call one of our team on 01204 939608.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
