Council to consider draft plans for future new communities

Outline plans for around 6,000 new homes, alongside major transport improvements including three new roads, a Metrolink stop, enhanced public transport and new walking and cycle routes, will be presented to Bury Council’s Cabinet on 11 February 2026.

Councillors will be asked to approve a public consultation on draft Development Frameworks for Elton Reservoir, Walshaw and Simister/Bowlee.

These plans set out how high-quality new homes will be delivered in the borough,

Each of the sites are identified for residential development within the adopted Places for Everyone (PfE) Joint Development Plan, the long-term strategy for sustainable growth across nine Greater Manchester authorities.

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, 5 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 and exciting opportunity to create well‑planned, well‑connected communities that are carefully integrated into their natural surroundings and supported by new infrastructure.

“This is about 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.

“Together, these developments will provide lasting benefits for Bury and the wider region for generations to come.”

* If the draft development framework documents are approved, residents and businesses will be able to provide feedback during a 6-week consultation and/or discuss proposals with council officers at drop-in sessions during February and early March.

ENDS

Press release issued: 3 February 2026.