United Kingdom • North West
Site analysis in Manchester
An introduction to site analysis in Manchester, covering planning context, common constraints, climate, terrain and transport. Use this city overview to identify what needs checking at the specific site.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Planning regime
Manchester Core Strategy 2012 + Greater Manchester Strategic Framework + NPPF
Key constraints
- Conservation areas (38)
- Castlefield UNESCO WHS proximity
- Mancunian Way A57(M) sightlines
- Ancoats character
Climate context
Cfb temperate. 1390 hrs annual sunshine. 800mm rainfall (high). Westerly prevailing winds.
Topography
Mostly flat city centre on River Irwell floodplain. Rises to 100m at Heaton Park north.
Transport spine
Metrolink tram 8 lines, Manchester Piccadilly mainline, bus network. Bee Network active travel.
Building height context
Tall building cluster around Deansgate Square (200m+), Owen Street, Castlefield, Northern Quarter caps lower.
Notable recent projects
- NOMA
- St John's
- Mayfield
- Spinningfields
- Co-op Live Arena
Questions
What planning policies apply in Manchester?
Manchester Core Strategy 2012 + Greater Manchester Strategic Framework + NPPF
What are the most common site constraints in Manchester?
Conservation areas (38). Castlefield UNESCO WHS proximity. Mancunian Way A57(M) sightlines. Ancoats character.
Can Atlasly run a site analysis in Manchester?
Available site information depends on the address and data source. Start with the site location and review the returned sources and coverage before using the results.
Run a site analysis in Manchester
Start with a site location, review the available evidence and identify the checks needed for your next design decision.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.