Blocks of flats to be built at former care home site

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 16:29

By Chris Gee

Blocks of flats are to be built on a former care home site after planning permission was approved.

The former Spurr House site on Pole Lane, Unsworth, Bury, will be transformed into two blocks containing 60 flats. The site is bounded by Unsworth Cricket and Tennis Club and Unsworth Academy.

The current vacant single storey building, which previously operated as a care home will be demolished. Gillian Warden from developer Watson Homes addressed a meeting of Bury’s planning committee in support of the plans.

She said: “The proposal re-purposes a brownfield site delivering 60 new, affordable homes in a highly sustainable location. “The site is previously developed within the urban area and is close to shops, schools and public transport.

“The development will deliver one and two-bed affordable homes for social rent and rent to buy. “The scheme has been carefully deigned as two apartment blocks of three and four storeys, stepping in height and set back appropriately from Pole Lane and and surrounding properties.”

The will be 60 car parking space provided at the flats. The committee heard that the development would require the removal of 16 trees, four groups of trees and the partial removal of one group.

The remaining 23 individual trees and eight groups of trees would be retained.
The apartment blocks will have an ‘L’ shaped arrangement with one three-storey block of 23 flats fronting Pole Lane.

The second block would be four storeys in height at the rear of the site alongside the parking court and would have 37 homes. The committee heard there had been 32 objections received to the plans which included the removal of established trees, limited local facilities and that services are already stretched.

One objection, said: “An influx of new residents on this scale would place significant additional pressure on essential resources, making it harder for existing residents to access appointments and local amenities.”

The committee unanimously approved the plans.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Julie Murphy named interim chief as councillors question five-week cover-up

Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive of Rochdale Council has sparked internal questioning, with Labour councillors raising concerns over a reported five-week delay in escalating serious allegations linked to her department.
Nod to area’s past as new 90-home ‘brownfield’ estate launches show homes

A new 90-home estate on a former school site is to be named Scholar’s Park.
Heywood town centre scheme presented to government

A revitalised town square, civic centre and newly improved shopfronts are all in store for Heywood, once a multi-million-pound scheme gets the green light. The Rochdalian town is on its way to receiving a £20m boost, with the Pride in Place plan now submitted to the government by the Heywood Town Board.
Julie Murphy on the line up as interim chief executive at Rochdale Council

Documents seen by Roch Valley Radio confirm that Rochdale Council will be asked to approve Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive, following the suspension of James Binks.
Charity Santa’s sleigh run hit by online abuse from ‘shameful, entitled parents’

It’s a tradition bringing smiles, joy and cheer to hundreds of families in the run up to Christmas. But the volunteers behind Radcliffe Rotary Santa Sleigh run say they have been forced to endure ‘rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts’.
Flood alert issued for Rochdale and Bury as heavy rain continues across Greater Manchester

Residents warned to be prepared as river levels rise in wake of persistent rainfall.
Bury FC part company with Michael Jolley days after managerial appointment following backlash

Bury Football Club has confirmed that Michael Jolley has been relieved of his duties as first team manager by mutual consent just days after taking up the role.
A candid conversation at Roch Valley Radio with Colin Lambert on truth, trust and local media

On Saturday 6th December, I spent a couple of hours at Roch Valley Radio with Tim, Dave and Dean.
Rochdale Scouts to represent UK at World Scout Jamboree in Poland

Eleven young people from across Rochdale have been selected to represent the borough, and the UK, at the World Scout Jamboree 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland.
GMP cracks down on internal corruption in proactive investigation into officer misconduct

Eight officers and two staff under investigation over inappropriate contact with sex workers as Greater Manchester Police steps up efforts to root out those unfit to serve.
Rochdale Council launches consultation on changes to Council Tax Support Scheme

Proposed changes include lowering the maximum discount from 85% to 80% and reducing the number of income bands, as the council seeks to balance its budget amidst ongoing cuts to government funding.
Live music debuts at Theatre Royal with acclaimed Manchester act

Ramsbottom’s Theatre Royal has launched its first ever live music event, welcoming Manchester swing artist Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s to a packed and appreciative audience.