Elton Reservoir Public Consultation
This website features narration by:
Chief Executive, Peel L&P
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Development Manager, Peel L&P
This consultation is now closed, but you are still welcome to provide
comments and suggestions via our online survey.
If you would like to sign up as a project partner and receive updates
for Elton Reservoir,
Welcome to the public consultation about the masterplan vision
for the land at Elton Reservoir site. This interactive website will
guide you through the vision. At the end we will ask you to
complete a short survey.
The survey will close on Monday 10th April 2023.
Scroll this menu and look out for blue highlighted text like this - it will indicate interactive features on the map.
Your views matter to us and we are excited to share our ideas with you.
We are in the early design phase. The thoughts of local residents and
businesses will help us shape the masterplan for the site. We will
continue to consult with you as the design of the proposals progress.
The sections below set out what we would like to achieve.
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Map Key
 | Elton Reservoir Site |
 | Railway |
 | Metrolink |
 | Metrolink Stop (existing) |
About Peel L&P
Operating across the UK for over 50 years, the family-run Peel
Group was established in Bury. Our company is named after Sir Robert
Peel, one of Bury's most famous residents. Our company logo includes
Peel Tower in Holcombe.
Our regeneration arm Peel L&P has had the opportunity to create some
exciting and inspiring new places.
Click on the map markers to view images of some of our flagship projects in the region, and of Peel Tower in Holcombe.
We have a track record of transformative and exciting developments.
We created MediaCity to bring the BBC to the North. At Manchester's
Embassy Village, we started a trailblazing project to give homeless
people their own front door. At Scout Moor Wind Farm and Protos we are
helping to decarbonise industry and generate renewable energy.
As part of The Peel Group, Peel L&P strives to have a positive impact on
people's lives. We are proud of our legacy. Promoting sustainable
development is at the heart of what we do. We take our responsibilities to
the environment seriously. Our people are passionate about the communities
we work in. We value our close partnerships with local groups and charities.
By building homes and creating opportunities, including new infrastructure
and highly skilled jobs of the future, protecting and improving our open
spaces, addressing the climate emergency and our energy needs, Peel L&P will
continue to realise possibility and invest in communities for years to come.
More information at
This section is narrated by:
Chief Executive, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Elton Reservoir Site |
 | Images of Peel Tower and Peel Group flagship projects |
The Elton Reservoir Site
The land at Elton Reservoir site has been identified in the emerging Places for Everyone
Spatial Plan (PfE). It will include a new sustainable
neighbourhood to deliver much needed energy efficient homes. Alongside
this will be a new publicly accessible parkland around Elton Reservoir.
PfE requires this new neighbourhood to include primary schools, health
facilities, local shops and services. Improvements to the local highway
infrastructure, including a new link road will be provided. Also new public
transport services including a new Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride.
Integration of development with Radcliffe will support the ongoing regeneration.
We know this is a key priority for both residents and Bury Council.
Click on the map markers to view photos of how the site looks today.
Within Greater Manchester there is a growing housing crisis. The supply of
new homes lags far behind need, and affordability worsens every year. In
Bury there is a need for family homes in some areas to avoid people being
forced out of the area. There is a need for affordable homes, as well as
homes for older people and those with specialist care needs.
The land at Elton Reservoir site is ideally located to meet housing needs. It is
located between Bury (to the north) and Radcliffe (to the south). It is well
connected and is near an existing Metrolink stop and major roads. The site is
in a location that can create sustainable neighbourhoods. This will meet the
needs of all types of people in the Borough.
The site benefits from unique features. The Elton and Withins Reservoirs are
situated in the northern and central parts of the site. The Manchester Bolton
& Bury Canal is on the eastern side. Parts of the site contain important
ecological habitats and historic assets.
We have a great opportunity to enhance these features by creating a parkland.
This will be accessible and inclusive to all.
This section is narrated by:
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Elton Reservoir Site |
| Metrolink |
| Metrolink Stop (existing) |
 | Land retained within the Green Belt (PfE Plan) |
| Photos showing the current site conditions |
Heritage and the Environment
The work we have done to understand the site has identified several
environmental and heritage features. The area has several sites of
biological importance (SBI) including the Elton Goit SBI.
There is some flood risk associated with the River Irwell to the
north-east of the site. Also, around the Withins outflow in the south
of the site.
Two listed buildings are within the area. A section of Roman Road, as
well as other archaeological features are present.
The map shows some of the environmental and heritage features in and around the site. Click on the Listed Buildings for more info.
This section is narrated by:
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Elton Reservoir Site |
 | Wildlife Links & Corridors |
| Sites of Biological Importance (SBI) | |
 | Existing trees within the Elton Reservoir Site |
| Flood Zone 2 | |
| Flood Zone 3 | |
 | Listed Building (click on the map for more info) |
 | Potential archaeological feature |
 | Roman Road |
 | Irwell Sculpture Trail |
 | Public Rights of Way (PROW) |
 | National Cycling Route |
 | Off-road Cycle Track |
 | Recreational Route |
History
The vision to create an accessible parkland reflects the history of the site. The land at Elton Reservoir has long been a place for people to enjoy. All types from the sailing club to people strolling the reservoir embankments have enjoyed the area.
Drag the slider below to see how the communities have grown around Bury and Radcliffe since 1891.
Map Key
| Elton Reservoir Site |
 | Illustrative developed areas (1891-1991) |
 | Illustrative green space (1891-1991) |
 | Roads (1891-1991) |
 | Railways (1891-1991) |
 | Railway stations (1891-1991) |
The areas on the map are illustrative and based on historic Ordnance Survey maps.
This almost changed when the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway attempted
to fence off paths around the reservoir in 1904. Local people took the
fences down in protest. They petitioned the House of Lords for access to
the land. Eventually the case was won. This helped pave the way for the
1949 Act that established Public Rights of Way.
The land at Elton Reservoir site also dates back to the Roman period. A Roman
road runs through the western part of site. We are investigating across
the site to better understand its history and archaeology. We hope that
local people will have an opportunity to get involved with this work in
the future.
Today, the site and its unique features are not accessible to everyone.
Much of it is in private ownership and is farmed. The existing Public
Rights of Way are not in a state to be used by everyone.
This section is narrated by:
Chief Executive, Peel L&P
The Vision - An Accessible Parkland Neighbourhood
The vision is to create a new sustainable neighbourhood. This would
integrate into the existing urban area. Alongside this would be an
accessible parkland. This would provide opportunities for recreation
and access to nature for everyone.
Our initial ideas about how to realise this vision are shared in this
section. Your views really matter to us and will help us shape the
masterplan for the site.
Please share your ideas and comments through the survey at the end.
We will continue to consult with you as the design of the proposals
progress.
Click on the map markers to view illustrative images of how the different areas of parkland could look.
The core of our vision is to create an accessible parkland for existing and
future communities. This will provide opportunities for formal and informal
recreation. The site's most important ecological habitats will be protected
and enhanced.
This accessible parkland will encompass around half of the site. A total of
two thirds of the site will not be built on. This includes other green spaces
such as pocket parks and wildlife corridors. It can include areas of differing
characters. For example:
- The woodland to the north of Elton Reservoir could be enhanced to create a quiet space looking out across the water.
- The waterfront areas along the canal could be protected and enhanced. This would be an area rich with a variety of ecological habitats.
- There may be opportunities to use the water for activities such as fishing and paddle-boarding. Other spaces will have informal play areas and sport facilities. The Irwell Sculpture Trail will be opened-up to more people.
- We will celebrate the area's rich heritage by creating a park near to Withins Reservoir. This will be for everyone to find out more about the history of the site and area.
We want to create a parkland where there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please share your ideas with us about what you would like to see and use within it.
This section is narrated by:
Development Manager, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Railway |
| Metrolink |
| Metrolink Stop (existing) |
 | Proposed parkland |
 | Canal & river connections |
 | Illustrative images of proposed parkland |
Creating Sustainable Connections
We want to connect the site in as many ways as possible. This is to establish a sustainable and resilient transport network. The site will include a wide range of infrastructure which will provide diverse travel options. This is so people can move around the local area for work, leisure and to access services.
Drag the slider below to see how these transport links build up, creating a new, well-connected place to visit and live.
Map Key
| Railway |
| Proposed parkland |
| Canal & river connections |
 | Proposed green links |
 | Enhanced & proposed pedestrian routes |
 | Metrolink (existing) |
 | New Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride (Warth) |
 | Metrolink Stop (existing) |
 | Proposed link road |
A new link road will connect Bury in the north with Radcliffe in
the south. This link road will provide a new north-south corridor
helping to alleviate congestion around the town centres. It will
support the creation of the new neighbourhoods and a high-quality
bus route. Alongside this will be dedicated and safe spaces for
bikes and pedestrians.
The vision also includes a new Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride at Warth Fold,
between Bury and Radcliffe. This will provide a sustainable transport
connection for the local area. It will take the pressure off the Park
& Ride Hub in Radcliffe. The capacity for more Metrolink users will be
created.
A substantial and expanded network of footpaths, bridleways and green
routes form part of our vision. This will encourage walking, running
and cycling for healthy and inclusive living. Existing paths will be
upgraded to be used by all people at all times of year.
This section is narrated by:
Development Manager, Peel L&P
Creating Connections to Radcliffe
Radcliffe is a town with huge potential. Its town centre enjoys great
connectivity and a strong identity. Our proposals will support the
exciting regeneration proposals for the town.
Bury Council adopted the Radcliffe Strategic Regeneration Framework in
September 2020. It sets out a refreshed masterplan for the town centre.
The vision for the land at Elton Reservoir site aims to support these regeneration efforts. It will help to invigorate the town centre and provide a catalyst to grow the local economy. This will support its communities, old and new.
Click on the map markers to view illustrative images of how the proposed neighbourhood centres could look.
Development will:
- Increase the size of the population within walking distance of Radcliffe town centre. Increased spending on retail and leisure in the local area. This will boost the vitality and viability of local shops and services. The town centre will benefit from this support.
- Provide strategic highways and public transport infrastructure. This will ease congestion in the town centre and provide better connections to surrounding communities. This will enhance its appeal for visitors and workers.
- Contribute to the physical regeneration of the town. Redevelopment of vacant brownfield sites in the town centre will be facilitated.
There is great synergy between the regeneration of Radcliffe and the proposals
at Elton Reservoir. The schemes can support each other. The new residents living
at Elton Reservoir will help support almost 600 local jobs. They will spend around
£75 million in local shops and leisure spaces every year. This can benefit Radcliffe
and other local areas.
Effective partnerships can achieve transformational outcomes for Radcliffe and Bury.
The development will also create jobs both during construction and after it is
completed. It will generate £9m every year of new Council Tax revenue to support
local services.
Click here to view more details about the economic benefits of our proposals.
We are proud to have our roots in Bury. The opportunity at the Elton Reservoir site and Radcliffe is really exciting. We will continue to work with community groups, schools and other groups to create a shared vision.
This section is narrated by:
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Railway |
| Proposed parkland |
 | Proposed neighbourhood areas |
 | Proposed neighbourhood hubs with illustrative images |
 | Existing local centres |
 | Proposed school locations |
 | Existing local schools |
| Canal & river connections |
| Proposed green links |
| Enhanced & proposed pedestrian routes |
| Metrolink (existing) |
| New Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride (Warth) |
| Metrolink Stop (existing) |
| Proposed link road |
Creating a Sustainable Neighbourhood
Our vision is to create a beautiful new sustainable neighbourhood. This will be supported by community infrastructure for new and existing homes. Our vision is to provide:
- High quality and energy efficient homes
- Homes in a variety of sizes to cater to different people and families.
- Homes for affordable rent or purchase, age restricted homes, and homes suitable for first time buyers.
- Primary schools
- Health facilities
- Sports facilities
- Local centres
Click on the map markers to view the artist's impression of both how the proposed parkland areas could look, and of the proposed new homes from different viewpoints.
Our vision is to create walkable neighbourhoods. This means that people are
within a short walk or bike ride of local services (such as shops, schools,
doctors, etc). This reduces reliance on the car, creates safer streets which
are a hive of activity, and reduces pollution.
To achieve this vision, our ambition is to create three neighbourhood hubs
to serve local residents. These will also be accessible to existing neighbourhoods.
House prices in the Borough have increased by around 35% in the last 5 years.
The number of households on Bury Council's housing list is up to 1,600. Each
social home that becomes available has an average of between 37 and 69 applications.
The area has a shortage of all types of homes, including affordable homes.
The only way to address this shortage is to deliver more affordable and family
homes. This will make it easier for young people to live where they grew up, for
families to expand without moving away from schools, and for older couples to
downsize. Our aim is to create a new neighbourhood that provides opportunities
for all types of people.
Our award-winning homebuilder, Northstone, prides itself on designing homes to
suit the needs of people who will live in them. Northstone is more than a
homebuilder. It thinks deeply about the homes they design, how people live in
them and how to lessen their impact on the planet. Its mission is to challenge
outdated perceptions of new build homes. It delivers design-led, sustainable
communities that set a new bar for high quality homes. The homes are designed
and finished the same, regardless of how they are sold and rented.
Northstone aims to encourage interaction between neighbours. It focuses on
pedestrian-led streets with wider pavements. This means fewer cars parked on
roads, and nature trails help to create a greater sense of community.
Northstone's whole ethos is about creating a sustainable, lasting legacy within
the communities they create. You can
This section is narrated by:
Associate Director, Peel L&P
Map Key
| Railway |
| Proposed parkland |
| Proposed neighbourhood areas |
| Illustrative images of the proposals from different viewpoints |
| Canal & river connections |
| Proposed green links |
| Enhanced & proposed pedestrian routes |
| Metrolink (existing) |
| New Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride (Warth) |
| Metrolink Stop (existing) |
| Proposed link road |
Your Thoughts
This consultation is now closed, but you are still welcome to provide
comments and suggestions via our online survey.
If you would like to sign up as a project partner and receive updates
for Elton Reservoir,
Thank you for taking the time to read more about our proposals for the vision of the land at Elton Reservoir site. Remember, this consultation is just asking for your views on the vision of the site to help us prepare a masterplan. We will continue to consult with you as our designs progress.
Please complete the short survey by clicking the button below, or by clicking the marker on the map. Your views really matter to us.
question_answer Answer the survey here
The survey will close on Monday 10th April 2023.
The project team are hosting two public exhibitions on Thursday
23rd March between 10am and 2.30pm at Radcliffe Market and Tuesday 4th April between
2pm and 8pm at Radcliffe Masonic Hall. These events are
free to attend and there is no need to book a place in advance.
To find out more about these events and where they will be held,
Map Key
 | Answer the survey |
| Railway |
| Proposed parkland |
| Proposed neighbourhood areas |
| Canal & river connections |
| Proposed green links |
| Enhanced & proposed pedestrian routes |
| Metrolink (existing) |
| New Metrolink Stop, Travel Hub/Park and Ride (Warth) |
| Metrolink Stop (existing) |
| Proposed link road |
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