New details have been unveiled for a large housing development planned alongside one of Greater Manchester's busiest motorway junctions. The Simister Bowlee development, situated on the edge of the M60 near junction 19 Simister Island, is expected to deliver up to 1,550 new homes on 98 hectares of farmland between Prestwich and Middleton.
Masterplan Approved
The development is one of three major housing projects approved for the borough through the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone plan. A primary school and local centre are also proposed for the land on the Bury/Rochdale border. A development masterplan was approved by Bury and Rochdale councils in June, setting out their vision for the land.
The Northern Gateway Development Vehicle LLP, made up of Harworth Estates Investment Ltd and Russell Homes UK, has revealed more information about their intentions for the site. The plans remain in the early stages, with just an environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping request submitted so far.
Plans and Access
The application confirms the scheme will include 'up to' 1,550 new homes and 'supporting community facilities'. Among these will be a two-form entry primary school and a 'small-scale' local centre with retail and health offerings. Open space is expected to include play areas and walking and cycling routes. Trees and natural features on the site will 'be protected where possible'.
Two access points are proposed for each of the eastern and western parcels of land, as divided by Heywood Old Road. These will have 'suitable footways' for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicle access to the site from Simister Village is expected to be restricted to bus and active travel uses only, as well as for village residents.
Timeline and Context
Documents also reveal that the precise boundary for the scheme has not yet been settled. However, developers 'anticipate' that it will 'largely reflect' the allocation boundary set out in Places for Everyone. It will be 'no greater', they said.
The developers have also set out their hoped-for timeline for the development. They said they want construction to start on the site in 2029, with the first homes occupied the following year. Full site completion is expected to be by 2040.
Simister Bowlee forms a key part of how Bury will meet its housing targets over the coming decades. It is one of three major projects proposed in the borough, along with schemes at Elton Reservoir and Walshaw. Between the three, around 6,300 new homes will be built. There could also be three new primary schools, five local centres, a new Metrolink tram stop and two major new roads. The three plans cover 406 hectares of land. Bury council signed off on masterplans for each of the developments in June.
