Developers of new family housing in Bury will need to pay more than £8,000 for each property built to pay for additional school places under a policy being considered by the council.

A document "Developer Contributions For Education" is currently out for public consultation by the council with the authority seeking views until August 19.

The draft policy sets out what developers will be asked to pay for school expansions and new schools.

Where a new housing development creates an impact on pupil places the council will seek contributions to ensure adequate provision of education infrastructure.

With the council’s adoption of the Greater Manchester-wide Places For Everyone plan, which sets out housing targets for the borough until 2039, Bury will see considerable population and housing growth over the period that the council say will "lead to increased pressures on infrastructure, such as education".

The authority will not seek developer contributions towards education from one-bedroom houses and apartments and non-family units such as sheltered accommodation, retirement apartments, residential institutions and houses in multiple occupation.

However, residential development of more than 10 family homes will be subject to the new rules.

The policy sets out a "worked example" of a development of 100 homes which  would create an estimated need for 25 primary school places and 15 secondary school spots.

The binding contribution from the developer for school places would amount to £833,000 or £8,333 per house built.

The document states: “On strategic sites where a new school is required on-site, or where an existing school is to be extended, there may be the option for the developer to build the facilities themselves to the council’s design.

“For pupil place planning purposes, the primary phase is broken down into six planning areas, each representing one of the local townships of Ramsbottom, Tottington, Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich.

“Secondary schools are less sensitive to immediate geography and there is far greater movement of students across the borough.

“Location of new secondary school places is more likely to be determined strategically, rather than on geographical proximity to specific housing developments.”

The council will consider adopting the new policy after the public consultation ends.