Plans to transform Stockport railway station are among the latest developments submitted to councils across Greater Manchester. The transport hub, which sits on one of Europe's busiest railway lines, could gain improved links to the surrounding town under new proposals. The scheme could also feature in a much-anticipated Metrolink extension towards Stockport.
The initial revamp proposals have been put out to the public for consultation, with feedback set to shape how the scheme develops in the future.
Bolton: B&B rooms and contractor accommodation
In Horwich, proposals have been put forward to create seven bed and breakfast rooms above The Rivington Bar and Grill on Church Street. The plans would change the use of the first and second floors of the building for overnight hospitality use. Planning reports in support of the application said four rooms had already been used for bed and breakfast accommodation over the past 12 months, making the proposals 'partially retrospective' in nature. The plans seek to formalise that use and create a further three bedrooms.
Meanwhile, a converted village centre family home on Church Street, Blackrod, is at the centre of plans to become a six-bed 'short-term let' for contractors and holidaymakers. Bolton council has received a planning application for the property. In a planning statement, applicant H Young Homes said that following conversion work at the property, it was approached by council enforcement officers and advised of the requirement to submit a planning application for the intended use. The statement said the house 'will not be used to provide permanent residential accommodation' for guests or visitors.
Manchester: Moston regeneration moves forward
Plans for massive regeneration in Moston are moving forward, with the council taking initial steps ahead of work starting. A new planning application has been submitted by the council for use of three car parks next to Moston Lane, which will be used 'as part of the wider regeneration programme' for the area. Accessed from Cole Street and Albine Street, the car parks could help ease any 'displaced parking demand' while wider regeneration works are happening.
Up to £41m will be spent around Moston Lane on a 'transformational' project for new homes, a public square, a new GP health centre, and new spaces for shops. Subject to planning permission, construction work could start as soon as 2027.
Rochdale: Scout Moor II wind farm reduced
Plans for a new wind farm on moorland between Rochdale and Bury have been reduced in size, but campaigners say it's still not good enough. The Say NO to Scout Moor 2 group has objected to Cubico Sustainable Investments' plan since it was first mooted in 2024. Campaigners fear the turbines – up to 180m including blade tip height – would be larger than Blackpool Tower and dominate the skyline.
The latest changes from Cubico have seen the scheme dropped from 17 wind turbines to 12. The reduction means the proposed wind farm would only have the potential to power 84,552 homes annually, rather than 100,000 previously touted. The reduction doesn't solve the problem for campaigners, who feel they will still be a blight on the skyline and too much peat will be disturbed.
Salford: Lidl inquiry for former Buzz Bingo site
Lidl could soon be setting up a new shop on the site of a former Buzz Bingo hall in Salford. The supermarket giant has made initial inquiries about bulldozing the building off Hankinson Way in Pendleton, with an eye to opening a new branch. Lidl has submitted a prior approval request to Salford Council to check whether it will need further permissions to demolish the building.
In a statement, Lidl explained: "The project relates to the demolition of existing buildings and associated car parking areas located on the site to form a clear space for the proposed construction of a new Lidl supermarket." The site was previously earmarked for an affordable housing scheme with 270 flats.
Stockport: Station transformation plans
New plans show how Stockport station could be completely transformed as part of its biggest investment in decades. The scheme, driven forward by Stockport council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), promises to 'deliver the most significant improvements to the station in decades' on what is Europe's 'busiest rail line'.
The local authority said the new station would 'unlock the next chapter of growth for Stockport' and drive forward the town's regeneration plans. This includes major redevelopment, a new footbridge, new station buildings, and better connections to the town centre.
Tameside and Wigan: Landmark decisions and delays
The fate of one of Droylsden's most recognisable buildings will be decided next week. Tameside council's planning panel will consider a proposal to tear down part of the Concord Suite in the town centre. The scheme would essentially demolish the upper parts of the building, including the former function room and dance hall, whilst keeping the lower levels and securing the remaining structure, preparing it for redevelopment into space for housing, retail and leisure.
Work to regenerate the centre of Ashton-in-Makerfield is set to continue into 2027. Since February, businesses and shoppers have endured extensive disruption as part of the town's £6.6m local regeneration fund project. Visitors have experienced diverted footpaths and restricted access as the project creates a new public square and market area. Gerard Street has been one-way for traffic since February but is set to return to two-way traffic before Christmas. When work began, Wigan council estimated the project would take 10 months, but councillor Danny Fletcher has now told locals the work will go into 2027.
