Plans for apartment block for young people in Bury

Proposals have been lodged this week by Irwell Valley Homes to build a two-storey block to provide 13 supported living flats with associated communal areas in a largely residential area at Willow Street, around one kilometre east of the town centre.

The accommodation will be for "young people with a physical and/or sensory disability or learning disability".

The land was formerly occupied by Bury Council Leisure services but was disposed of by the council last year.

That decision was based on the recommendation that the site would help a brownfield first approach to housing delivery and create specialist accommodation for young adults with care needs.

A planning document published by the council, said four existing buildings at the site would be demolished as part of the plans.

It added: “The proposed development will provide 13 high-quality small units for those with supported care needs in Bury and will specifically provide suitable accommodation for young people with a physical and/or sensory disability or learning disability.

“The development will in effect constitute an extension to Irwell Valley’s existing Queensberry Place facility, which is located immediately to the north of the site.

“It will see the development of a vacant site and will add significantly to the provision of supported living facilities in Bury.”

How the apartment block could look

The report added: “The site is a highly sustainable site, accessible to a range of key local services and facilities, including excellent public transport links which provide regular services to key destinations.

“The proposed development will result in the re-use of a currently under-utilised, previously developed site, which will substantially enhance the aesthetics of the surrounding area and bring forward much needed extra care accommodation within a highly sustainable location in Bury.

“It will help reduce revenue cost to the council for holding, maintaining, and securing long-term derelict sites.” Access to the building would be via the existing car park from Maxwell Street.

A total of 13 car parking spaces, including three EV charging points and two disabled access bays, and will built at the west of the site.

The proposals will be considered by planners at Bury Council in the next few weeks.