Planning saga ends as home estate at ‘gateway’ to Ramsbottom approved

Bury’s planning committee have approved plans by Eccleston Homes to build the estate at the former Holcombe Mill site on Bridge Street which later became known as Mondi paper mill.

The area has been described as a "gateway" site in the town.

Approval for the development, which includes creating a 47-space public car park for visitors to the town, has been hailed by one councillor as "setting the standard on what can be done when people work together".

A layout of the plans

A similar application from Eccleston Homes for 73 homes at the site was rejected by Bury’s planning committee in May 2022 citing concerns about potential flooding and effects on the roads.

An appeal was lodged on behalf of Eccleston Homes but was dismissed by a planning inspector who found that insufficient evidence was provided to assess flood risks at the site.

Council officers said that the latest application had addressed the issues surrounding potential flooding and the number of properties at the site had been reduced.

In a nod to the site’s industrial heritage the mill chimney will be retained as a feature of the new estate.

The brick chimney stack at the site will remain if the plans are approved

Peel Brow and Bridge Street form the boundary of the site with public open space and the River Irwell beyond.

The East Lancashire Railway is to the west and the  town’s cricket club and football club are to the south of the site.

As part of the planning approval a new public car park would be built next to the East Lancashire Railway and either gifted to the council or maintained by the developer.

Three existing derelict buildings on the site will also be demolished.

An Eccleston Homes spokesperson said: “The proposed development will support the creation of a strong, vibrant and healthy community in Ramsbottom by increasing the supply of housing type and tenure to meet the needs of the area, in a sustainable location.

“The proposals increase the availability of family homes and will provide public car parking spaces for the local area which will provide great benefits to the local community.”

Speaking after the meeting, Ramsbottom councillor Gareth Staples-Jones described the final development as "setting the standard on what can be done when people work together to benefit the community".

He added: “This is a brownfield development and there’s been lots of involvement from councillors, officers, Eccleston Homes and members of the public.

“It’s good to see affordable homes included, a public open space and path and the mill chimney will be retained and maintained by the developer.”