Plans for a new sustainable neighbourhood at Elton Reservoir in Bury, with investment in the area of over half a billion pounds, will see a new community facilities, better transport links, and new public parkland at land west of Elton Reservoir created once the public consultation has finished.

Peel L&P’s proposals would include new open spaces and parkland with leisure and nature uses, health facilities, new primary schools and improved access to Radcliffe to support the ongoing regeneration of the local area.

New transport improvements and more sustainable travel options would ease congestion around Bury and Radcliffe town centres including a new link road connecting Bury in the north with Radcliffe in the south.

Nick Graham, Peel L&P’s Associate Director of Planning, said: “We are all aware that we are experiencing a housing crisis, with people unable to find affordable or suitable homes for themselves and their families. Our plans will help meet the longstanding shortage of new homes in Bury and deliver highly sustainable homes that are rich in character, as well as energy efficient and cost effective to run.

“With the water and parkland at the heart of our vision, the community will be well-connected to nature with better access to the beautiful reservoir surroundings which will provide a range of health and wellbeing benefits.

“Radcliffe is a place with a huge potential with great transport links and local shops and services, and we’re committed to creating a neighbourhood that brings investment and supports further regeneration.”

The project represents an investment worth half a billion pounds to the area and brings further economic benefits to both towns creating 240 full time jobs each year during construction and over 100 additional jobs for residents.

The proposals would also see over £75m spent in local shops and leisure facilities by new residents and a council tax revenue for Bury Council of £9m to help improve local services further.

The land west of Elton Reservoir is included in the emerging Places for Everyone (PfE) plan, and PfE has earmarked the site for up to 3,500 new homes which would include affordable housing options and homes to buy or rent for families, first-time buyers and downsizers as well as retirement and extra care living.

The plans have been formed around the Elton and Withins reservoirs, which will be retained and enhanced, and seek to complement the current natural landscape with over two-thirds of the site remaining as green space and parkland.