Scoping opinion in for 1,550-home Simister Bowlee

Russell LDP and Harworth Group have advanced their plans for the 242-acre site by the convergence of the M60, M62, and M66 in Bury and Rochdale.

The EIA Scoping Opinion will guide the development of Simister Bowlee, which is one of the larger residential allocations in Places for Everyone, the Greater Manchester spatial framework. It sits on either side of Heywood Old Road.

Simister Bowlee is projected to hold up to 1,550 homes, a two-form primary school, and a local centre with retail, health, and community facilities. Also part of the plans: improved public transport and active travel connections, sustainable drainage systems, and a considerable amount of open space.

Construction could begin in 2029, according to the EIA Scoping opinion report. That would line up the first homes for occupation in 2030 and the full completion of the scheme in 2046.

Russell and Harworth’s application for the site has been put through under the name of their 50/50 joint venture, Northern Gateway. It follows the adoption by Rochdale Council and Bury Council of the framework supplementary planning document for Simister Bowlee.

“Following Bury and Rochdale’s adoption of the Development Framework for Simister Bowlee, we are moving forward in a considered way,” said a spokesperson for Northern Gateway.

“This is an important step in the planning process, to inform the planning application, ensuring a robust submission is provided in due course,” they continued.

“Future stages of public consultation will be planned and communicated to the councils and the community in the coming months, specifically tailored to the planning application. The feedback we receive during the scoping process will inform our emerging application, with the adopted development framework also shaping our proposals.”

Asteer Planning is leading on the EIA report, with assistance from Tyler Grange, Tetra Tech, Redmore Environmental, Sharps Redmore, Turley, Orion, and Land Research Associates.

To view the documents for yourself, search reference 73525 on Bury Council’s planning portal and OTH/2026/0737 on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.

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