A new Metrolink stop for Elton Reservoir ahead of a huge housing development set to be built in the area has been put forward in fresh plans.

The tram stop has been proposed as part of major plans to construct 3,500 homes, two new primary schools and retail, health and community facilities by developer Peel.

As part of the proposals there is a requirement to provide a new Metrolink stop and travel hub park and ride facilities.

The proposed tram stop at Elton Reservoir The proposed tram stop at Elton Reservoir (Image: Bury Council)

The park and ride facility will widen the catchment area for those living further away and make it easier for people to switch longer car journeys to more sustainable modes, developers say.

Key elements of the travel hub will include secure cycle parking, drop-off pick-up and taxi bays, shared mobility spaces, EV charging points and potentially parcel lockers.

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The stop will also increase the attractiveness of the reservoir as a leisure destination and provide better access to greenspace in Bury.

The housing development is included in the Greater Manchester Places For Everyone plan, which is a long-term development strategy for homes, jobs and growth for nine of the ten boroughs of the region, all bar Stockport.

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Head of rapid transit development at Transport for Greater Manchester, Luke Bramwell, said: “The Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan Document (PfE) includes an ambition for Greater Manchester to be carbon neutral by 2038.

“This bold plan requires creation of resilient, liveable places where walking and cycling are the obvious choice for shorter journeys, where facilities and services are accessible and close at hand, and where the past dependency on the car is superseded by a reliable and responsive public transport system.

“The Elton Reservoir development will look to deliver up to 3,500 homes, along with the necessary accompanying social and physical infrastructure, including new education and health facilities and improvements to local recreation.

“A series of transport improvements are also required, including a Metrolink stop and accompanying travel hub (including park and ride).

“This would enhance access to Metrolink and have wider public transport benefits for existing and new communities.

“The Metrolink stop and Travel Hub at Elton Reservoir is one of GM’s transport priorities – identified in the GM 2040 Transport Strategy, Our Five Year Transport Delivery Plan and the draft GM Rapid Transit Strategy.”

Cllr Russell Bernstein, leader of the Bury Conservatives, added: “We will always welcome investment which improves the transport offering within the borough as long as there is a sound business case based on overall deliverable and sustainable improvements for residents and visitors alike that supports such investment.”