Atherton: Second phase of 830 homes plan set for approval

Bloor Homes North West has submitted an ‘outline application’ for 170 homes on land east of Leigh Road, south-west of Bee Fold Lane and West of Millers Lane, meaning that further details of the plans will be submitted at a later date.

Permission for 830 homes on the wider site was granted in 2020 with open space, road infrastructure and landscaping, all held back as ‘matters reserved’.

READ > Man tried to 'sell on' stolen BMW and Audi used in armed robbery

An example how some of the properties may look (Image: Bloor North West)
A report to the planning committee says that Bloor Homes has entered into an agreement to fund £3.86m towards the provision of a primary school, road works, open space and recreational facilities.

Some 95 objections have been submitted to the scheme, but planning officers say that the principle of development on the site has now been established and have recommended approval subject to a range of conditions.

Opponents of the plan cite the loss of green space and the impact on health and wellbeing as a result of its loss, the loss of green belt land and views, impacts on wildlife and that the surrounding highway network is already choked up.

An outline application for 170 homes has been submitted (Image: Bloor North West)
There are also fears for the safety of pedestrians and children attending neighbouring schools, pressure on existing services such as GP surgeries, schools and dentist,

Some argue that Atherton is overdeveloped and there is ‘no need’ for additional homes.

However, the report says: “The proposed layout, scale, appearance and landscaping are acceptable to officers and assessed to be in accordance with the relevant local and national planning policy and guidance.

“It is therefore deemed acceptable in all regards and the application is recommended for approval.”