Addressing the Biodiversity Emergency

Proposed Approach

Oldham has a range of nature conservation areas, from international designations through to those of local importance. The South Pennines Moors (Phase 1 and 2) is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. The Rochdale Canal is also a SAC.

Oldham also has six Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), 38 Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs), one Local Nature Reserve (Glodwick Lows) and two Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS) at Glodwick Brickpit and Rocher Vale.

We think about boosting the economy through providing land for employment, but nature also contributes in benefits to the economy and society, through its services that it provides such as flood risk mitigation, physical and mental health and air quality. An attractive green environment attracts and retains businesses.

For nature to recover, species need habitats that are larger, better connected and more complex. The Greater Manchester pilot Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) looks at how we can reverse these declines and help nature to recover. The Local Plan can help ensure opportunities are taken to help implement the LNRS once it is in place.

Biodiversity Net Gain for new development is a key tool in halting and reversing the decline in nature in Greater Manchester, as recognised in the declaration of a biodiversity emergency in March 2022.

The policies listed below are designed to support addressing the biodiversity emergency in Oldham. A brief synopsis of them is given under each heading.

• Policy N1 - Protecting Nature
  • Policy N1, outlines guidelines for the protection of sites designated for nature conservation and geodiversity. This policy emphasises a comprehensive and hierarchical approach to protecting nature, recognising the significance of different designations and types of habitats while also highlighting the importance of avoiding harm to biodiversity during and after development.
• Policy N2 - Restoring Nature
  • Policy N2, outlines guidelines for achieving a net increase in biodiversity across the borough. This policy emphasises the importance of achieving a net increase in biodiversity through development, using a robust and quantifiable approach based on the mitigation hierarchy and the latest biodiversity metrics. It encourages on-site measures and, when necessary, outlines principles for selecting and securing off-site areas for compensation.
• Policy N3 - Enhancing Green Infrastructure through Development
  • Policy N3, provides guidelines for ensuring that new development makes appropriate contributions to addressing local needs and opportunities for Green Infrastructure provision.
• Policy N4 - Tree Replacement
  • Policy N4, outlines the council's approach to mitigating the removal of trees by implementing a fixed number system for tree replacement. The policy aims to ensure that the removal of trees is offset by a proportional and strategic planting of replacement trees, promoting biodiversity and maintaining green infrastructure..

To read the policies in full, please download the chapter extract which is available in the "downloads" section of this project page.

If, once you have read the policies and supporting information, you wish to comment on the proposed policies, then please use the survey below, to do so.