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Bury Green Belt Development Approved Despite Opposition

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. elt-development-approved-despite-opposition.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 18:54 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Bury, Greater Manchester - February 27th, 2026 - A contentious decision by Greater Manchester's strategic planning committee has greenlit the construction of 6,000 homes on Bury's green belt, a move met with fierce opposition from local residents and councils. The "Bury Eastern Gateway" project, approved today despite widespread objections, promises much-needed housing but at the cost of significant environmental and infrastructural concerns.

The approved plan divides the development into two key sites: 3,000 homes slated for construction off Pilkington Way and another 3,000 off Crompton Road, both within the Bury borough. While proponents emphasize the necessity of increasing housing supply and the provision of 3,000 affordable homes within the scheme, critics argue the long-term consequences of losing valuable green space outweigh any perceived benefits.

This decision isn't happening in a vacuum. The Bury Eastern Gateway is part of a broader, ambitious regional regeneration plan aiming to stimulate economic growth and address the chronic housing shortage impacting Greater Manchester. This wider strategy includes the planned construction of a new train station and upgrades to existing transport links, intended to alleviate potential strain on infrastructure. However, the speed and scale of the development are raising alarms.

Councillor John Smith, representing Ramsbottom, delivered a scathing critique of the approved plans. "This is a disaster for Bury," he stated. "We're losing valuable green spaces to make way for more houses. The local infrastructure is already struggling to cope with the current population. How can it cope with another 6,000 homes?" This sentiment is echoed throughout the community, with many residents voicing concerns about overstretched schools, healthcare facilities, and already congested roadways.

Councillor Carolyn Comrie, representing Radcliffe, further emphasized the public's dissatisfaction. "This is a very unpopular scheme. Residents are angry and frustrated. The council has a responsibility to protect our green belt and this decision does the opposite." She highlighted the potential for increased traffic congestion, the loss of recreational areas, and the negative impact on local wildlife.

The strategic planning committee justified its decision by citing the urgent need to address the region's housing demands. A council officer stated, "We need to build more homes to meet the demand," and emphasized the importance of providing affordable housing options for a growing population. This argument, however, fails to fully address the concerns surrounding the environmental impact and the capacity of existing infrastructure to support such a large-scale development.

Experts point to a wider trend of prioritizing housing targets over sustainable development practices. The government's emphasis on increasing housing supply has created pressure on local authorities to release green belt land, often with insufficient consideration for the long-term consequences. The issue is complicated by the limited availability of brownfield sites suitable for large-scale development.

Beyond the immediate impact on Bury, the decision sets a precedent for future development proposals across Greater Manchester and raises questions about the long-term sustainability of regional growth strategies. Environmental groups are warning of the cumulative effect of losing green belt land, leading to habitat loss, increased carbon emissions, and a decline in biodiversity. They argue that prioritizing green infrastructure - preserving and enhancing natural spaces - is crucial for creating resilient and healthy communities.

While the plans are now approved, opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and push for mitigation measures remain. Local action groups are already organizing to demand greater transparency in the planning process and advocate for investment in infrastructure improvements to offset the impact of the new development. The Bury Eastern Gateway promises a new era for the region, but whether that era will be marked by progress or regret remains to be seen. The focus now shifts to ensuring responsible implementation and minimizing the detrimental effects on Bury's cherished green spaces and the quality of life for its residents.