First Phase of Major 1,000-Home South Heywood Development Approved
The initial stage of a substantial 1,000-home development in South Heywood has received official approval, marking a significant step forward for the area's growth. This first phase will see the construction of 186 new houses, setting the foundation for the broader South Heywood Masterplan.
Details of the Approved Development
The overall South Heywood Masterplan is an ambitious project that aims to deliver 1,000 homes, employment space, a primary school, and a new link road on land located off Hareshill Road North. The site for the initial 186 homes is situated on a previously irregularly shaped parcel of land that was once Hares Hill Farm.
Once completed, this residential development will be accessible via a new link road named Queen Elizabeth II Way, which is being constructed to serve the wider scheme. This road will effectively connect the area, enhancing transportation links for future residents.
Part of the Places for Everyone Plan
This large-scale development, which will essentially create a new town in the southern parts of Heywood, is integrated into the Places for Everyone (PfE) plan. The PfE strategy has been adopted by nine out of ten Greater Manchester councils and is projected to generate thousands of jobs, new homes, and sustainable growth across the city-region by 2039.
The developer, Northstone, plans to build a diverse mix of housing types to cater to various needs. The portfolio will include:
- Detached homes
- Semi-detached homes
- Terraced homes
- A single bungalow
- A number of apartments
While the majority of properties will be three and four-bedroom homes, the development will offer a range from one to six bedrooms, ensuring housing choice for different family sizes and preferences.
Developer and Site Information
Northstone, which is part of the Peel Group, purchased the plot of land on Hareshill Road North, strategically located between junctions 18 and 19 of the M66 motorway. The company intends to proactively advance this phase of the scheme. The land sale was facilitated by Russell LDP, who successfully championed the overall South Heywood masterplan.
This specific parcel will host the 186 homes positioned just off the new link road route. The proposals also include public open spaces, a wild flower meadow, and tree-lined streets, contributing to an attractive and environmentally conscious community.
Design Principles and Sustainability Focus
Planning documents emphasize that the proposal is centered on principles of good design, desirability, and creating housing choice, with the goal of establishing a sustainable community where people genuinely want to live.
The architectural design aims to provide visually appealing and energy-efficient homes that are appropriately mixed, laid out, and scaled, surrounded by effective landscaping. Northstone highlights sustainability and energy efficiency as its key drivers, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
The development is designed to be safe, inclusive, and accessible, promoting health and well-being through generous private gardens and public open spaces. It aims to establish a strong sense of place, creating an attractive, welcoming, and distinctive housing development that minimizes its impact on local ecosystems.
Launched in 2018 by its parent company, Northstone was established to drive forward the delivery of Peel Group's residential pipeline in the North West, with this project being a notable example of its efforts in sustainable urban development.
