A long-running planning saga ended as the go ahead was given to build 57 homes at a long demolished paper mill site in Ramsbottom town centre. Bury’s planning committee have approved plans by Eccleston Homes to build the estate at the former Holcombe Mill site on Bridge Street which later became known as Mondi paper mill. The area has been described as a "gateway" site in the town.
Approval for the development, which includes creating a 47-space public car park for visitors to the town, has been hailed by one councillor as "setting the standard on what can be done when people work together". A layout of the plans A similar application from Eccleston Homes for 73 homes at the site was rejected by Bury’s planning committee in May 2022 citing concerns about potential flooding and effects on the roads. An appeal was lodged on behalf of Eccleston Homes but was dismissed by a planning inspector who found that insufficient evidence was provided to assess flood risks at the site.
Council officers said that the latest application had addressed the issues surrounding potential flooding and the number of properties at the site had been reduced. In a nod to the site’s industrial heritage the mill chimney will be retained as a feature of the new estate. The brick chimney stack at the site will remain if the plans are approved Peel Brow and Bridge Street form the boundary of the site with public open space and the River Irwell beyond.
The East Lancashire Railway is to the west and th.
