Radcliffe: Price tag of £500k for housing land as plot set to be sold

The six acre site, just 500 metres from the town centre, off Holcombe Grove, is described by council planners as "a field at the end of an established residential development".

It is not located within the green belt, but is in the Irwell river valley and a wildlife corridor.

Last year Bury Council granted outline permission for two planning applications at the site, each for nine homes.

The applicant for both applications was listed as Jeffrey Paul Speak.

Now the land covering both successful applications has been listed for sale at auction next month with a guide price of £500,000.

It will be marketed by Pearson Ferrier Auctions with the auction starting on October 29 on their website.

The plot of land in Radcliffe

Marketing material states: “Over six acres of land in Radcliffe with permission in principle for up to 18 homes.

“A great development opportunity located close to Radcliffe New Road and well placed for transport links and both Radcliffe and Whitefield centres.”

The site is next to the Metrolink route and council planners made it clear when approving the scheme that care would need to be taken not to disturb the track during any construction.

They said: “Metrolink runs in a fairly deep cutting on ballasted track adjacent to the proposed development site and it is of paramount importance that the stability of this cutting slope, any retaining structures or the trees are not compromised by the works on the site or by changes to the drainage in the vicinity.”

The council report added that the need for housing outweighed any concerns about building in the river valley.

It said: “The principle of residential development on this river valley site is considered to be acceptable given its sustainable location and the contribution that it would have to meeting local housing needs.

“The adverse impacts of developing this site for housing in principle are not considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”