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Tameside Council Sells Land to Bellway Homes for Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. cil-sells-land-to-bellway-homes-for-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 4:06 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locales: Greater Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM

Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester - February 15th, 2026 - A significant deal is nearing completion that will see Tameside Council offload council-owned land in Ashton-under-Lyne to Bellway Homes for residential development. While seemingly a local issue, this sale is indicative of a wider trend across Greater Manchester and the UK: councils increasingly leveraging land assets to address both housing shortages and strained public finances.

The land, situated off Hyde Road, has been designated for housing within the Tameside Local Plan for several years, highlighting a proactive approach to land-use planning by the council. The decision to sell to Bellway Homes, initially approved in December 2024, now appears set to finalize, providing a much-needed boost to the local housing stock and revenue for Tameside Council.

Addressing the Housing Crisis: A Mixed-Use Approach

The development is expected to include a diverse range of properties, crucially encompassing affordable housing options. This is a key consideration in the current climate. The UK continues to grapple with a persistent housing shortage, particularly in accessible and affordable dwellings. The government's latest figures, released just last month, show a national shortfall of over a million homes, with demand far outstripping supply. The inclusion of affordable units within this development represents a positive step towards mitigating this crisis locally.

Experts suggest that mixed-use developments, like the one proposed for Hyde Road, are becoming increasingly popular as they cater to a broader range of residents and contribute to more sustainable communities. Offering a blend of housing types - from starter homes for first-time buyers to larger family residences and potentially supported living options - helps create a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood.

Financial Implications and Reinvestment in Public Services

The financial implications of the sale are considerable for Tameside Council. While the specific sale price remains undisclosed, council officials anticipate a substantial revenue influx. In a period of continued austerity and increased demand for public services, this injection of funds is critical. The council has stated that the proceeds will be "reinvested in vital council services." This could include improvements to local schools, healthcare facilities, transportation infrastructure, or social care programs - areas all facing significant budgetary pressures.

However, the decision to sell off land assets is not without its critics. Some argue that councils are sacrificing long-term community benefits for short-term financial gains. Concerns have been raised about the loss of green spaces and the potential impact on local ecosystems. Tameside Council maintains that the Hyde Road site is previously developed land and that the benefits of increased housing and reinvestment outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Greater Manchester's Strategic Land Release

The Tameside land sale forms part of a broader strategic land release initiative across Greater Manchester. Other boroughs, including Salford and Oldham, have also recently announced similar deals with private developers. This coordinated approach is designed to unlock land for housing and stimulate economic growth across the region.

The 'Places for Everyone' plan, a joint strategic development framework for nine Greater Manchester districts, outlines ambitious targets for housing delivery and regeneration. This plan prioritizes brownfield sites - land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes - to minimize the impact on green belt land. The Hyde Road site aligns with this strategy, representing a responsible approach to land utilization.

Bellway Homes' Role and Future Developments

Bellway Homes, a leading UK housebuilder, has a strong track record of delivering high-quality residential developments. The company is committed to building sustainable communities and incorporating energy-efficient technologies into its designs.

Local residents have expressed cautious optimism about the development. Many are hopeful that the new homes will revitalize the area and attract investment. However, there are also concerns about potential traffic congestion and the impact on local amenities. Bellway Homes has pledged to engage with the community throughout the development process and address any concerns raised by residents.

The completion of this sale and the subsequent construction of new homes will be closely watched by other councils across the UK facing similar challenges. It represents a pragmatic response to the housing crisis and a testament to the power of strategic land management.