New homes could be built in shadow of electricity pylon on ‘equestrian land’

Monday, 4 August 2025 16:37

By Chris Gee

New homes and a stable block could be built on former green belt land close to a Bury reservoir.

Plans have been submitted to Bury council for the the development of land off Brookbottom Road at the end of Hardman Street, Radcliffe.

The proposed scheme would see the demolition of two existing stable blocks on an equestrian site to be replaced with five homes within two blocks and the
erection of a new stable block.

Artist impressions published on the council’s website show the development would be very close to a tall electricity pylon. The proposals also include the diversion of a public right of way.

The area is within the Elton reservoir site, which as part of the Places for Everyone (PfE) strategic plan was taken out of the green belt and has been allocated for 3,500 homes over the next 15 years.

That housing allocation promises to deliver new homes ‘within a parkland setting’, alongside recreational facilities and new primary and secondary education schools.

Strategic transport infrastructure includes a new link road and a new Metrolink stop with park and ride facilities. A planning statement has been lodged in support of of the plans by McDonald, Wilkinson, Tonge on behalf of applicant Ken McMinn.

It said: “The crux of the applicant’s case is a straightforward one – the development of this application site will not prejudice the future development of the wider PfE allocation that it is within.

“The scheme has been carefully designed with the adjoining allocated land in mind, with a good buffer provided by the rear gardens “The application site is equestrian and, therefore, previously developed land so, notwithstanding
the fact that the site is allocated for housing, it is a desirable site to develop in any event.

“The planning authority are presented with a high quality residential scheme which will be able to deliver five homes in the short-term to assist Bury Council with meeting its housing targets.”

Planners at Bury council will deliberate on the plans in the coming weeks.

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