Hundreds of new homes destined for farmland and the potential demolition of an iconic landmark headline the latest development proposals across Greater Manchester. Bellway Homes has launched a consultation on a 526-home scheme on farmland in Ashton-in-Makerfield, while Tameside council plans to partially demolish the Concord Suite in Droylsden to make way for regeneration.
Bolton: Pub Conversion
Plans have been submitted to convert the long-vacant Lever Arms building on Top O Th Lane, Darcy Lever, into a café and restaurant. Avoncliffe Properties Ltd has applied to change the use of the building, which has been empty since 2019. A justification statement supporting the application says the proposal involves reusing the existing building without significant alterations to access or the highway network.
Bury: New Play Centre
A new children's indoor soft play centre could be created in Bury town centre. The former Car Depot showroom on Derby Way would be converted, with seating, party rooms, and a café. Applicant Tessa Atkinson told Bury council that customers would book two-hour play slots starting at 30-minute intervals to avoid large numbers arriving or leaving at the same time and to minimise traffic impacts.
Manchester: Hulme Housing
More than 160 new homes are planned for Hulme. St George's House on Chester Road, the former HQ of accountancy firm Beever & Struthers, could be replaced with two apartment blocks containing 162 flats. The firm moved to Ancoats in 2022, and the property has been sold to developers Glenbrook, which proposes an 'attractive, sustainable development' while delivering much-needed homes. A public consultation has been launched, though no formal planning application has been submitted yet.
Rochdale: Student Accommodation Appeal
A developer has appealed a council decision to refuse a plan to convert the former Briarmede Care Home in Middleton into student accommodation. Rochdale council's planning committee rejected the proposal in June, but Al-Sadiq Academy has asked the Planning Inspectorate to review the decision. The scheme would create 11 en-suite bedrooms and two studio flats, with common areas including a dining hall, games room, studies, kitchens, computer rooms, changing facilities, and a library.
Salford: Affordable Housing on Shopping Centre Site
Updated plans could see 38 new affordable homes built on part of the Salford shopping precinct. The site near Swinton Palais on Station Road was once a hairdresser's salon, which closed and was demolished to become a car park. For Living & For Housing is proposing a part-four and five-storey apartment block with a mix of affordable units, pledged as 100 per cent affordable development.
Stockport: A555 Flooding Measures
Further plans have been put forward to tackle persistent flooding on the A555, a major road to Manchester Airport. The road, opened in 2018, has faced 'longstanding challenges' and was seriously affected in July 2019. A review identified issues, and works were carried out, but the road has continued to flood despite measures taken.
Tameside: Concord Suite Demolition
The iconic Concord Suite in Droylsden, which has dominated the skyline for 50 years, could be partially demolished. Built in the early 1970s, it served as a base for the now-defunct Droylsden Council and hosted weddings and community events. Tameside council has lodged a planning application to demolish the upper parts, including the former function room and dance hall, while retaining lower levels for redevelopment into housing, retail, and leisure space.
Wigan: Large Housing Development and HMO Plans
Bellway Homes is planning 526 homes on farmland at Landgate Farm on Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield. The proposals include 25 per cent affordable housing, delivered by Onward Homes, plus enhancements to Bryn Recreation Ground sports pitches, changing facilities, a car park, and land gifted to Landgate School for expansion. An internal link road would bypass the Bryn Road/Wigan Road junction.
Separately, a certificate of lawful development is sought for a row of four terraced homes on St John Street, Pemberton, to be classed as HMOs housing up to 20 people. The homes were converted in 2019 when such changes were permitted development, but Wigan council introduced an Article 4 direction in August 2025, removing permitted development rights for small HMOs borough-wide.
