PfE sets out a strategic ambition for growth and evolution in Greater Manchester serving as a long-term plan for sustainable development. JTP has been involved in the progressive plan which was born from a collective ambition to build better, more affordable sustainable homes across the local authority and maximise the use of sustainable regeneration of urban and brownfield land. The plan was recently adopted across the Greater Manchester’s nine districts in March 2024.

JTP’s work at Mosley Common and Elton Reservoir has been underpinned by a comprehensive landscape-led approach celebrating and enhancing the ecologically rich settings. Between these two sites, approximately 4,500 new homes will be delivered supported by local amenities, community facilities and new strategic transport modes establishing truly sustainable communities connected to the wider areas of Greater Manchester. Throughout the PfE process, JTP and Peel Land collaborated closely with the councils and engaged with local communities to create a shared vision and ensure the emerging proposals meet the local needs and deliver benefits for the wider communities.

The Masterplan Document for Mosley Common was approved by Wigan Council in September 2022 forming a masterplanning blueprint to guide development and future planning applications. This was followed with planning approval at Wigan Council Planning Committee in January 2024 for two planning applications – a Hybrid Planning Application for the northern parcel of land and an Outline Planning Application for the southern parcel delivering up to 1,050 homes. Alongside the core Principles of Homes England Building for a Healthy Life, the preparation of the masterplan vision has been informed by three key drivers – people, place and movement – providing access to a diverse range of multi-functional environments which promote biodiversity, recreation and education.

Located between Bury and Radcliffe, the land at Elton Reservoir has been identified in the emerging PfE Spatial Plan to include new homes, primary school facilities, health facilities, shops and services. Throughout the PfE process, we assisted Peel Land with the careful and considered development of the vision and masterplan framework for Elton Reservoir contributing to the supporting documents and evidence. Engagement with Bury Council and the local community is ongoing to develop the emerging vision for Elton Reservoir which will seek to build on the rich heritage of the area and enhance the existing green and blue assets to create a new accessible parkland and provide extensive infrastructure to alleviate pressures within the surrounding areas.

It has been a welcome opportunity for JTP to support the adoption of the PfE Strategic Plan and join the celebration of this landmark milestone for Greater Manchester. JTP’s work with Peel Land will support and guide the roadmap at Mosley Common and Elton Reservoir, helping to deliver a positive impact to the local area through a mix of new homes, improved transport facilities and enhanced green public spaces.