Residents say they are 'sickened' by plans for hundreds of new homes in the Bury countryside. Up to 240 homes could be built on what is currently farmland at the edge of Walshaw village.
The 11.7ha site stretches over a 'number of' fields used mainly for grazing and silage provision, planning documents state. The land sits off High Street, with applicant Persimmon Homes North West saying the farmland is considered to be 'poor quality'. Part of the site is expected to be used as a children's play area, while 'ecological areas' are also planned.
Residents react with anger
The scheme has been met with outrage from residents, however. Commenting on social media, one person said it was a 'shambles and a disgrace', while a second added it 'sickens' them.
Another commenter added: “Ridiculous. What about conservation and the safe spaces for our wildlife? Then there's the congestion on the roads.
“I remember all this area, Walshaw and Lowercoft being green fields. Will they never see sense? By all means build, but use the places that have been used and left derelict.”
Early-stage proposals
The proposals are still in the early stages, with just an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request submitted to Bury council. This asks the local authorities whether an EIA is needed as part of the formal planning process and, if it is, what the scope of that assessment should be.
Access is proposed from High Street, documents show. Pedestrian and cycle routes would also be provided. Further details of the scheme are expected to be submitted to and considered by Bury council in due course. These are set to be submitted as an outline plan, seeking permission for the scheme in principle before the full details are set out.
A spokesman for Persimmon Homes North West said: “A scoping request has been submitted to Bury council in relation to land off High Street, Walshaw, to establish what technical information would be required should any proposals be developed in the future. This is an initial step only and no plans have been submitted for consideration at this stage.
“Any future proposals would be subject to a planning application and public consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views.”
