Three Masterplans Approved for Thousands of Homes in Bury
Political leaders in Bury have approved three masterplans that will pave the way for thousands of new homes to be built on green belt land. The plans, covering Elton Reservoir, Walshaw, and Simister Bowlee, will see approximately 6,300 homes constructed across 406 hectares of countryside. The developments also include three new primary schools, five local centres, a new Metrolink tram stop, and two major new roads.
Council Leader Defends Masterplans as Framework for Control
Bury Council Leader Eamonn O'Brien argued at a cabinet meeting that the masterplans increase the council's control over the developments. Without them, he warned, there is a risk of applications falling below council expectations. The documents set out guiding principles for infrastructure, environmental mitigation, and housing provision. O'Brien stated: "Ultimately, it's about trying to win those arguments for if these things are not delivered. We then have the democratic right and power to push back on that and reject those." He described the plans as "positive frameworks" that ensure proper consideration of residents, traffic, flooding, and biodiversity.
Resident Protests and Opposition Criticism
Not everyone supported the decision. A heckler in the public gallery shouted "traitors" as councillors voted to adopt the masterplans. She accused elected members of backing the plans to prevent development in their own wards, saying: "If it's on our doorsteps, it's fine. The minute it's on councillors' doorsteps, they don't want it." Conservative Group leader Shahbaz Arif expressed opposition, stating: "The Conservative Group has always believed that our greenbelt should be protected... Once greenbelt has been built on, it is gone forever." He added that residents share concerns about traffic, local services, and loss of greenspace.
Labour Councillor Calls for Pragmatism and Developer Accountability
Labour councillor Charlotte Morris acknowledged she had argued against the Walshaw site being included in the Places for Everyone policy but stressed the need for pragmatism. She said: "A plan is better than no plan... My plea, my challenge, my point is that we all need to hold developers' feet to the fire on this." She urged that the plan be delivered with the necessary infrastructure to support the communities.
Next Steps: Planning Permissions Required
Planning permission will still be needed for each site before development can proceed. Applicants must demonstrate that the schemes will not have unacceptable impacts on nature, residents, local services, or road networks. The masterplans were approved under the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone allocations, which were adopted after examination by the Government's planning inspectorate.
