Plans adopted to protect key natural habitats around Greater Manchester
Following public consultation, the Joint Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) for Holcroft Moss and the South Pennine Moors have now been adopted. These plans will help enhance the protection of two key natural habitats in and around Greater Manchester.
The two SPDs were developed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in partnership with the nine Places for Everyone plan local authorities (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) , to support the Places for Everyone plan.
Places for Everyone is a comprehensive joint plan which identifies areas for new homes, jobs and infrastructure in the nine boroughs, while protecting environmental assets and guarding against the risk of unplanned development.
The SPDs provide developers with clear advice and guidance on development proposals to ensure the protection of the two European-designated habitat sites.
The draft SPD documents were available for public consultation between 1 November and 12 December 2024, and were agreed by the relevant authorities in March and April 2025.
The SPDs came into effect on 08 May 2025 and are now material considerations in Development Management decisions on planning applications.
South Pennine Moors
Much of the moorland landscape on the edge of Greater Manchester is an internationally important habitat for birds. This moorland habitat supports populations of birds including merlins, golden plovers and short-eared owls , and a range of other species. The South Pennine Moors contains both a European Special Area of Conservation and two Special Protection Areas.
Holcroft Moss
The lowland landscape between Greater Manchester and Merseyside covers areas of internationally important peat bog habitats that have developed over thousands of years. As well as being important habitats for wildlife, peatlands can store carbon and help with flood risk management.
Much of this lowland bog habitat has been degraded by centuries of farming and peat cutting. Despite this, some areas of bog have the potential to be restored to active, functioning peat bogs – including the Holcroft Moss site in Warrington, which is also designated as a European Special Area of Conservation.
Holcroft Moss is next to the M62 motorway, and nitrogen emissions from vehicles could slow the restoration of the peat bog habitat.
Find out more: Joint Supplementary Planning Documents - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Article Published: 08/05/2025 11:11 AM