Council approves consultation on draft plans for future new communities

Outline plans for around 6,000 new homes and new schools, alongside major transport improvements including new roads, a Metrolink stop, enhanced public transport and new walking and cycle routes, have been approved for consultation by Bury Council Cabinet members.

Councillors met to consider draft Development Frameworks for Elton Reservoir, Walshaw and Simister/Bowlee. These plans, which set out how high-quality new homes will be delivered, form part of the adopted Places for Everyone (PfE) Joint Development Plan, the long-term strategy for sustainable growth across the region.

Each of the sites are identified for residential development within the adopted PfE plan.

The draft frameworks address housing, education/schools, transport, and the environmental considerations for each site. Once adopted they will become Supplementary Planning Documents, providing guidance for future planning applications.

The well-planned new neighbourhoods will help meet critical local housing need with a mix of family housing, affordable homes (around 1,500) and accommodation for older residents.

As well as crucial transport investment, new social infrastructure is proposed, including 3 new primary schools, new health facilities, five new local centres, sports pitches, parks and playgrounds. And, importantly, new green infrastructure including a nature park, heritage parks, improved green spaces, ecological mitigation measures and sustainable drainage.

The number of homes planned for each site are:

• 3,500 at Elton Reservoir (including 25% affordable housing, 875 affordable homes)
• 1,250 at Walshaw (including 25% affordable housing, 313 affordable homes)
• 1,350 at Simister/Bowlee, plus 200 in Rochdale (including 25% affordable housing – 338 affordable homes)

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, said: “The three strategic sites at Elton Reservoir, Walshaw, and Simister/Bowlee represent a unique opportunity to create well‑planned, well‑connected communities that are carefully integrated into their natural surroundings and supported by new infrastructure.

“This consultation isn’t about revisiting the decision to develop these sites, but it is a vital opportunity for residents to influence how the developments take shape. We recognise that people have strong feelings about the impact on their community, but new homes are needed to meet demand, support economic growth, and address a lack of affordable, modern housing. What matters now is ensuring local people are involved in shaping a clear, ambitious and long‑term vision for all three of these sites - so that they provide lasting benefits for Bury and the wider region for generations to come.”

The consultation will run for six weeks from 13 February to 27 March 2026.

A series of drop‑in events will be held where residents can speak to planners directly and share their views face‑to‑face.

Drop-in events for Elton Reservoir, Walshaw and Simister/Bowlee will be held in Bury between 4pm and 8pm as follows.

• Tuesday 24 February at Radcliffe Market, 11 Blackburn Street M26 1PN
• Wednesday 25 February at Elton High School, Walshaw Road BL8 1RN
• Thursday 26 February at Parrenthorn High School, Heywood Road M25 2BW

For Simister/Bowlee only, there will also be an event in Rochdale from 4pm to 8pm:

• Thursday 5 March at Edgar Wood Academy, Heywood Old Road OL10 2QN

Councillor O’Brien, continued: “This is about much more than just building new homes - it’s about shaping places where families can grow and where people have the schools, transport links, and amenities they need to thrive. Please do get involved in the consultation to find out more and give us your views.”

For detailed information and the online consultation form, visit www.bury.gov.uk/strategicsites.