Onward on board at Watson’s Creams Mill in Bolton

The registered provider will operate the first 110 homes at the 255-unit Little Lever development.

Approved at appeal after Bolton Council rejected the plans on Green Belt grounds, work on the first phase is now well underway.

Watson Homes, which is developing the scheme on the site of the former Creams Mill, has partnered with housing association Onward Homes on the first phase.

The initial tranche of properties is nearing completion and will be offered up by Onward for a mix of affordable rent, rent-to-buy, and shared ownership.

Onward and Watson, which have collaborated before in Bury, Clayton-le-Moors, and Rishton, have also reached a deal for the RP to manage an additional 44 homes in a future phase.

Sandy Livingstone, executive director of property at Onward Homes, said: “Creams Mill is a flagship project for Onward. As long term investors in Bolton, this is a demonstration of what strong local partnerships can achieve.

“Working in partnership with Watson once again, we’ll ultimately deliver more than 150 affordable homes at Creams Mill and open up wider regeneration opportunities in the local area.”

As part of the scheme, which Watson director Rob Watson describes as “technically ambitious”, involves restoring a 700-metre section of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal.

“Restoring the canal is as much about connecting places as it is about celebrating heritage, making it a significant part of the project, alongside new homes, upgraded infrastructure and local job opportunities,” he said.

“We’re grateful for the continued support from Bolton Council and our partners at Onward as we look forward to continuing our work on Creams Mill and other projects across the borough.”

In 2021, Bolton Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to reject the scheme, which is split across the former Creams Mill site off Mytham Road and another plot around a mile away off Hall Lane.

At the time, Bolton Council argued the 31-acre development had to be refused “for the benefit of the town, the planet and future generations.”

At that time the Conservative party was the largest on the council.

At the subsequent appeal, the Planning Inspectorate determined that the high proportion of affordable homes within the scheme tipped the balance in favour of approval.

These days, Labour-run Bolton is much more supportive of the scheme.

Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, said: “Watson is a valued partner and a local developer committed to investing in their community.

“As well as delivering much-needed homes for Bolton residents, the engineering work to restore the canal is a major project that, when complete, will bring lasting value to the borough for everyone to enjoy.

He added: “Developments like Creams Mill are a great example of how the ongoing regeneration of Bolton extends well beyond the town centre. I look forward to seeing the successful completion of the project.”