Manchester Aviation Safeguarding Checker
Planning a new tall building in Manchester? Check possible aviation safeguarding matters early and progress your planning application submission.
Aviation safeguarding matters can lead to building design changes, additional impact assessments and delays if concerns emerge late during the pre app stage. We help developers and applicants identify what needs assessing and prepare the supporting information for a detailed planning application submission. However, depending upon the location of the site and overall height of the proposal, not all proposed buildings require an aviation safeguarding assessment. For such cases, we can provide suitable scoping input to demonstrate that a full safeguarding assessment is not required or needed for the planning application submission.
Manchester aviation safeguarding location check
Use the site’s postcode, draw your application site boundary (red line boundary) outline on the map, or enter Easting and Northing coordinates. The checker shows whether your site overlaps our modelled Manchester Airport Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) area in plan view.
Different OLS have different heights and slopes, meaning several can overlap an individual application site. Identifying initially the relevant surface(s) will inform for a more detailed and relevant safeguarding assessment of the proposed development.
If the application site overlaps an OLS area, contact us to discuss a detailed aviation safeguarding assessment. A site inside a specific area does not automatically mean a proposed development presents a significant risk: the proposed development’s height, massing and the aviation considerations of nearby aerodromes all need to be considered, along with possible impacts on aviation safety arising from crane use during the construction phase of the proposed development.
Free Manchester aviation location check
Search a postcode, then click at least three building corners on the map. The coloured layers show GTech’s modelled OLS surfaces. Use the key to show or hide each type.
What do these surfaces mean?
Inner and outer horizontal surfaces represent modelled horizontal planes. The conical surface slopes upwards away from the inner horizontal area. Approach, take-off climb and transitional surfaces protect different parts of the runway environment.
Several surfaces can cover the same site. Their heights and slopes differ, so the lowest applicable surface needs to be considered in a detailed assessment. The map shows model geometry, not an approved height limit.
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Location screening only. Model dated 10 September 2026; not an airport-issued consultation map. This does not assess OLS height clearance, radar or flight procedures, or replace professional advice. Map clicks and postcode locations are approximate.
GTech can support planning application submissions for all buildings and other tall structures
We can help scope the aviation safeguarding requirements for the proposed development’s possible impacts, review the site’s location and plot massing and support liaison with Manchester Airports Group (MAG) safeguarding and NATS when required. This may include reviewing obstacle limitations, radar LOS interference matters (including potential secondary surveillance radar (SSR) effects), and identifying where specialist modelling or further consultation is needed.
Early consideration of the proposed development’s maximum building heights (screen, lift over run, parapet etc.), construction crane positions and heights, and lighting schemes can assist the planning team address possible aviation safeguarding issues while still in the design evolution.
Professional advice
Send us your site plan, proposed building heights and any roof plant and crane details (if available). We can then advise on the next steps and the information needed for any required consultation with MCC, MAG and NATS.
The tool is a location screening assessment, not a height clearance assessment or an airport issued safeguarding map. Sites outside the modelled area may still need a safeguarding assessment.
Speak to GTech before you submit your planning application — call 01926 744771.
Screening model: GTech Manchester OLS model, issue 1.2, dated 9th September 2026. Further information: Manchester Airport’s safeguarding guidance.