Brownfield first – our plan for new houses and regeneration

Plans have been unveiled to develop brownfield sites and bring much-needed homes and regeneration across Bury.

Bury Council’s major projects team is co-ordinating a borough-wide brownfield housing delivery programme that prioritises previously developed land that is suitable for residential development – matching the local housing needs with investment opportunities and accelerating development of new homes.

Nearly 100 acres of land has been identified by Bury Council which, subject to planning permission and viability, could accommodate thousands of new homes.

The cabinet, at its meeting on 13 October, will consider plans that form the first phase of this programme which include nearly 500 homes across four sites in Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “Young people, older people, families – everyone needs housing, and the type of housing that is most suitable for their needs and budget.

“As one of the largest landowners in the district, we have a golden opportunity to bring to Bury a range of affordable and ‘open market’ homes that matches these demands.

“What’s more, the sites we have identified are all on land that has previously been developed – clear evidence of our ‘brownfield first’ policy. In fact, since 2010, some 89% of dwelling completions in Bury have been on brownfield land.”

The first phases of the programme are under way, and a report outlining the latest updates is due to be considered by the council’s cabinet when it meets on 13 October.

The sites include:

• The former Wheatfields day centre in Whitefield - to be developed by Onward Homes to provide 30 affordable homes, including accessible bungalows and apartments along with family homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.
  
• Prestwich town centre – through the formation of a Joint Venture with Muse Developments, bring about 240 homes as part of the Prestwich Urban Village regeneration programme.
• School Street in Radcliffe - to be developed by Hive Homes to deliver 89 new family homes, with 25% of them to be affordable homes for rent and shared ownership.
• Green Street in Radcliffe - to be developed by Watson Homes to deliver 133 new apartments. These would include 75% affordable homes for shared ownership, 30 homes for private rent, alongside mixed commercial uses to complement the town centre regeneration.
• The former East Lancashire Paper Mill – working with Homes England to create an initial 25 affordable homes (delivered by Great Places) followed by 400 homes (minimum 25% affordable) currently being tendered.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “Our recently published housing strategy shows that we need a sustained supply of good quality homes, which are appropriate to all sections of the community. Young single people want different accommodation than large families who need more room or older people looking to downsize or move into bungalows.

“We also need a variety of house type - homes for sale, homes to rent, and affordable and shared ownership schemes so that everyone can access the housing they need.” 

Other initiatives include:

• The disposal of New Summerseat House in Ramsbottom for residential redevelopment.
• Approval to dispose of the Humphrey House office block in Bury town centre, with redevelopment potential for up to 60 apartments.
• Several sites within the council’s land disposal programme.
• Plans to develop housing on several sites in Bury town centre, such as the former police HQ in Irwell Street, Manchester Road, and Townside Fields.

ENDS

Press release issued: 7 October 2021.