Rochdale Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
The Rochdale Planning Portal is an online resource designed to enable efficient access to planning information and services for residents and developers in Rochdale. It serves as a central hub for submitting and managing planning applications, checking their progress, and accessing information about local planning policies.
The Rochdale 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.
The team at Collington Winter Environmental can assist you in meeting the ecological requirements needed to obtain planning permission.
You can find the Rochdale Planning Portal here.
The Planning Application Process
To ensure your planning permission application is smooth and efficient, it is ideal you take the following steps.
Planning the application
- Prepare necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (available on the portal).
- Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g., elevations, floor plans).
- Supporting statements, such as a Design and Access Statement, ecological reports, or heritage assessments (if applicable).
- A Biodiversity net gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area), has been mandatory since 12 February 2024.
Submitting the application
- If you are not already an account holder, register for an account on the Rochdale Planning Portal and complete the application form with details about the project.
- Include all relevant details about the project.
Consultation
- Once the application has been validated, the Rochdale Council will publicise the application through notices and local media. Neighbouring properties will also be made aware.
- Relevant stakeholders, including neighbours and statutory bodies, will be invited to provide feedback.
Assessment
- Planning officers will review your application. They will consider local planning policies, environmental impacts and any public feedback.
- It may be necessary to modify the original proposal to address specific concerns.
- Considering factors such as ecological issues will be discussed, and unless accepted as originally proposed, you may be asked to modify/update your BNG proposal. Here, planning officers may raise concerns about proposed mitigations with respect to protected species located on the proposed development, which we can assist with responding to and progressing your application.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, a decision is made by planning officers.
- For larger or contentious applications, the planning committee may assess the decision.
- You will be notified of the decision in writing, and your Planning Portal account will be updated to publish the final decision.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered within the Planning Permission Process?
When applying for planning permission on the Rochdale Planning Portal, other ecological concerns may need attention. The most common ecological requirements include:
Ecological Surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments to identify existing flora, fauna, and habitats on the project site.
Protected Species Assessment: Determination of whether any legally protected species, such as endangered animals or rare plants, are present on or near the development site. This may require surveys for species like bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Tree Surveys: A thorough assessment is made of how the proposed development may affect the health, structure, and stability of existing trees.
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.
Landscape Surveys: For developments with a larger scope, considerations must be given to the impact on the local landscape. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly complete local site inspections and assessments of a proposed development to ensure it is designed in accordance with the local area.
Ecological Clerk of Works: As part of any assessments completed in respect of Protected Species or BNG, we can provide an Ecological Clerk of Works to oversee habitat mitigation or creation during difficult aspects of any development project. This is to ensure minimal harm is caused to local protected species and that habitats are created to the correct specification.
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application on the Rochdale Planning Portal?
Collington Winter Environmental can support your Rochdale Planning portal application with our pragmatic approach to development management. With respect to any application you intend to make using the Rochdale Planning Portal, we can ensure all necessary ecological assessments are completed efficiently and provide recommendations to support the successful journey of the development in regard to all environmental aspects.
If you are interested in our services, contact us using the form below. You can also contact us via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or call a member 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
