Salford Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
The Salford Planning Portal is an online resource designed to provide access to planning information and services for residents and developers in Salford. It acts as a central hub for submitting and managing planning applications.
The Salford Planning Portal is vital to supporting ecological sustainability as it integrates environmental considerations into the planning process. This way, any new development in Salford will align with ecological priorities. This often includes ensuring biodiversity is protected, natural habitats are safeguarded, and environmental impacts are mitigated.
Having a clear understanding of the planning process and issues that may arise places a developer in an optimal position to deliver a positive project. At Collington Winter Environmental, our consultants specialise in making sure planning applications meet demands with regard to ecological requirements. We can assist you in undertaking surveys to identify and mitigate for the presence of protected species and meeting Biodiversity Net Gain principles to encourage the success of your project.
You can visit the Salford Planning Portal here.
The Planning Application Process
Applying for planning permission through the Salford Planning Portal involves a staged and succinct process.
Preparing the application
Prepare the necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (available on the portal)
- Detailed site plans and drawings (e.g. elevations, floor plans)
- Supporting systems, such as a Design and Access statement, ecological reports, or heritage assessments (if applicable)
- The Biodiversity net gain proposal (which must provide a minimum of 10% improvement to the local area).
Submitting the application
- Complete the online planning application form, providing any details about the project.
- Attach all required plans and supporting information.
Consultation
- After validation, the local council will publicise the application through notices, local media, and letters to nearby properties.
- Once the application has been publicised, relevant stakeholders such as neighbours and statutory bodies will be invited to provide feedback.
Assessment
- Planning officers will review your application, considering factors like local planning policies, environmental impacts, and public feedback.
- If needed, you may be asked to modify the proposal to address specific concerns.
- Unless accepted as proposed, you may be asked to update/modify your BNG proposal. Questions may be raised as to the ecological issues that could occur and what proposed mitigations are in place with respect to any protected species located on the proposed development.
Decision making
- For straightforward applications, a decision is made by planning officers.
- For larger or contentious projects, the application may go to a planning committee for a decision.
- You will receive written notification of the decision, and it will also be published on the portal.
What Ecological Requirements are Considered for the Planning Permission Process?
When applying for planning permission on the Salford Planning Portal, other ecological requirements may need consideration. Planning permission applications most commonly include:
Ecological Surveys: Submission of comprehensive ecological surveys and assessments identifying any existing flora, fauna, and habitats on the proposed site. A study of the site’s ecosystems is often necessary.
Protected Species Assessment: Assessment of whether any endangered animals or rare plants which may be legally protected are present on or in the development site. Surveys for species such as bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles may be required.
Tree Surveys: The possibility of any damage to the health, structure, and stability of the existing trees due to the project development may need to be examined.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): From February 2024, it has been mandatory that any local development improves the surrounding ecological habitat by at least 10%, either through the creation of new habitats or off-site units purchased to relocate and offset the creation of habitat.
Landscape surveys: For larger developments, the impact on the local landscape must be considered. Our in-house landscape architectural team regularly inspect and assess local proposed developments, ensuring it is 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 creation or mitigation during any difficult aspects of development, ensuring minimal harm to any local protected species and that any habitats are created with correct specifications.
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist Your Application on the Salford Planning Portal?
Here at Collington Winter Environmental, we can assist you with any intended applications for development using the Salford Planning Portal. We have a pragmatic approach to all our services and aim to meet the needs of both developers and surrounding wildlife.
We can support with providing all necessary ecological assessments and recommendations to strengthen your planning application for your development whilst ensuring all ecological requirements are prioritised to comply with Salford city requirements.
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 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
