Update for plans to build 390 homes in Ainsworth and Radcliffe

The proposal, put forward by Taylor Wimpey, includes the demolition of Pilkington Fold Farm and would see residential development on a 16.53-hectare site currently used for agriculture and grazing.

Plans were first outlined in May when the developer set out its plans for potential housing development on the land.

Now, in a new update, the developer has been told that a screening opinion from the council will be required to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed as part of the planning process.

The scheme would likely be brought forward as an outline application, meaning the principle of the development would be considered in the first instance.

Full details, known as reserved matters, would follow in a separate application if approved.

The site is described as a logical and “grey belt” location by Taylor Wimpey’s planning consultants, Lichfields.

The site is described in planning documents as “a suitable and logical grey belt site” on the edge of existing residential neighbourhoods.

Grey belt is a term coined by the Labour Government for traditionally green belt land, but which could be utilised for housing or economic development.

Pilkington Fold Farm, which sits at the centre of the site, would be demolished to make way for the new homes.

The farm dates back to the 18th century and is included on Bury Council’s draft local list.

However, planning documents state that the original buildings were demolished in the 20th century, and the farm now consists primarily of modern cattle sheds and stabling.

Taylor Wimpey said that in acknowledgement of the site’s historic background, the development would include “a deliberately informal, farmstead-inspired layout” and plans to build homes in “an ad hoc manner that broadly reflects the historic footprints of the former farmhouse, yard and associated outbuildings”.

The application states the development would include a village green, play space and public open space, along with measures to improve pedestrian access and integrate existing public footpaths.

Access to the site would be via Starling Road, with existing rights of way to be retained and incorporated into the masterplan.

The site is bordered by residential areas to the east and south, with open land to the west, and sits approximately 2.7km from Bury town centre.

It does not fall within a conservation area or sensitive environmental zone, though non-statutory ecological sites are located nearby.

The land is classed as Grade 4 (Poor Quality) agricultural land, with existing surface water flood areas to be addressed through sustainable drainage systems.

The proposed homes would be no higher than three storeys, and additional landscaping would be provided to screen the development from neighbouring properties.

Surveys are planned to assess potential impacts on bats, badgers, amphibians and barn owls.

Taylor Wimpey stated that a “full pack of supporting planning material will accompany the application.”

The company emphasises in its submission that “it is considered that the proposed development will not give rise to significant environmental effects which would require EIA”, but recognises that the final decision rests with the council.

The authority will make a decision at a later date.