Green light for Blackley Mere housing scheme

PLANNING permission has been granted for an enlarged development of 76 homes on a former industrial site in north Manchester.

The green light for 48 houses to be built on the former Bowker Bank Industrial Estate was granted in 2012, and city planners have now backed proposals for a further 28 homes, which will be built on the site of a former reservoir, which has been drained after it was ruled to be structurally unsafe and a health and safety risk.

The site lies in the Irk Valley and is enclosed by the River Irk, woodland, a retained reservoir, and housing beyond. It is not publically accessible at the moment, but will be when the project is delivered.

Cheshire-based town planning consultancy Frost Planning led the application for the development which is known as Blackley Mere.  Frost Planning and Knutsford-based Peterloo Estates have been jointly advising the landowner.  The scheme architect is IBI Taylor Young.

Andy Frost of Frost Planning said: “We have worked closely with Manchester City Council to agree a development scheme which regenerates the site, boosts the supply of family housing, and protects local ecology.  In addition, the scheme will secure improved public access to the river valley and enhance the angling facilities for Broughton Angling Club who will continue to use the western reservoir.”

Stephen Barker of Peterloo Estates added: “We are currently speaking to interested parties who are keen to develop this very attractive site.  The quiet riverside and woodland surroundings will create a uniquely attractive setting for new houses in this urban part of Manchester. 

“Blackley Mere is perfectly positioned for easy access to Manchester via commuter routes such as the Metrolink from local station Bowker Vale, and to walks along the nearby Irk Valley.”