Planning application now in to regenerate former East Lancs Paper Mill site

Ambitious plans to provide housing and regenerate the former East Lancs Paper Mill site have moved another step forward.

A formal outline planning application has now been lodged with the council for up to 400 homes to be built on the 23ha brownfield site.

Bury Council and Homes England (the Government’s housing agency), as joint landowners of the site, have developed the proposals for the vacant site. As well as housing, the scheme proposes large areas of open space fronting onto the River Irwell, and new sports provision including the relocation of the existing cricket ground to the Tower Farm part of the site.

The application also seeks permission for means of access. The main point for vehicular access is proposed to be from Cross Street via a new road to the west of Croft Lane, with a secondary access at Cock Clod Street. Additional access points will be provided for pedestrian, cycle and emergency access.

The outline application has been prepared by specialist consultants WYG, on behalf of Homes England and Bury Council.

Draft masterplan proposals were originally presented to the public in January during a community consultation day held at Radcliffe United Reformed Church. It gave residents, community groups and other interested parties the opportunity to view the proposals and to give their feedback. The scheme has been refined to take on board some of the comments.

The application envisages family housing involving a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties together with some apartments, including a proportion of affordable housing (subject to viability) in line with council policy. The final mix of housing types will be decided at a later date.

The application is supported by a comprehensive pack of technical documents, including a flood risk assessment.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “This planning application represents an important step forward in bringing much needed quality new homes to Radcliffe. Due to its location, the proposed development will form an integral part of the townand will help to improve the local environment and boost the local economy.

“What’s more, it reinforces the council’s ‘brownfield first’ policy, which aims to bring back derelict and previously developed sites into much needed and sustainable use.”

Nicola Elsworth, head of public sector land, North West at Homes England, said: ‘’We’ve worked extensively with people in Radcliffe to create a plan for the East Lancashire Paper Mill site.

“The site has the potential to bring 400 new homes to the town, helping to meet demand for good quality housing in the area.

“Gaining planning consent for the site will help to secure a homebuilder who can bring the site back into use for the benefit of the local population.”

To view the planning application and its supporting documents, go to https://tinyurl.com/y9g77u2c

ENDS

Press release issued:

For further information please contact Peter Doherty in the council press office on 0161 253 6096. Alternatively please email communications@bury.gov.uk