Public consultation begins on game-changing Northern Gateway project

Residents are now being asked for their views on plans for Greater Manchester’s biggest proposed employment development on the Bury and Rochdale border.

The game-changing Northern Gateway project will generate more than 20,000 high-quality jobs and bring a £1bn economic boost. The 1.2 million square metre development site is close to Junction 19 of the M62.

Bury and Rochdale councils are now consulting on a Supplementary Development Plan (SPD) for the project. An SPD establishes planning principles for a particular area, which will be taken into consideration when planning applications are determined.

The Northern Gateway Development Framework SPD will include details about the site, such as the proposed infrastructure, phasing and timescales, the design principles and the benefits it is expected to deliver.

The Northern Gateway is part of the wider Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, which aims to create a hub for high tech industries, innovations and economic growth in the North of Greater Manchester.

Consultation begins today (Friday 15 November) and will run until 10 January 2025.

How to view the documents

Bury Council

All relevant documentation is on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/spd

Copies of the document are available for inspection electronically at Bury Town Hall between 8.45am and 5pm (Monday-Friday) and at local libraries and the Tottington Centre during their normal working hours (see www.bury.gov.uk/libraries and www.tottingtoncentre.co.uk for details. Paper copies of the draft NGDF and comments forms will also be available in these locations.

Rochdale Council

All relevant documentation is on the council’s website at https://consultations.rochdale.gov.uk/research/consultation-on-the-draft-northern-gateway-develop

Copies of the document will be available for inspection electronically at all local libraries during their normal working hours (see Local libraries and customer service centres | Rochdale Borough Council) for details. In addition, paper copies of the draft NGDF and comments forms will be put in the four main borough libraries – Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton and Rochdale.

The councils are also holding two drop-in events, where planning officers will be on hand to answer any questions on the draft NGDF:

• Wednesday 4 December – Unsworth Academy, Unsworth (3.30pm to 7.30pm)
• Tuesday 10 December – The Old Police Station, Heywood (3.30pm to 7.30pm)

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “This is a true game- changer, a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring jobs and investment to our part of the world. It will play a crucial role in building prosperous communities in Bury and the wider area for generations to come. I urge people to read the proposals and take part in the consultation.”

Cllr Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “The Northern Gateway, as part of the wider Atom Valley, presents us with a transformative opportunity to rebalance the Greater Manchester economy and bring thousands of high quality jobs, improved transport links to surrounding areas and increased prosperity to the Rochdale borough and beyond.”