Providing more options for special education needs in Greater Manchester is the big story of last week's planning applications.
Bury and Tameside could soon see better SEN provision if their latest plans are approved. In Bury an outstanding rated special school is looking to expand their classroom numbers and, in turn, their pupil capacity by 70.
Over in Tameside, Longdendale High School wants to provide an entirely new building dedicated to SEN in order to boast a better curriculum for the select group of students.
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Updates on the development of the town centres in Bury and Stretford have also come forward as both councils look to surge on with their visions.
Here is a look at the different applications borough by borough…
Bolton
New restaurant proposed at former cocktail bar
A new restaurant is planned in a space formerly occupied by a cocktail bar and pizza outlet.
The plans are for the area above the Fireaway pizza restaurant on Market Street, Westhoughtonm formerly occupied by the Italian Loft, a function room and cocktail bar which also sold pizzas in association with Fireaway. The planning application, on behalf of applicant Mr M Oliver, seeks to convert an adjoining building on Wood Street which used to operate as the Wobbly Cow restaurant to extend the seating area.
‘Nationally important’ town house on cobbled street could become one-beds flats and bedsits
Plans have been unveiled to transform a town centre listed building described as ‘of national importance’ into flats.
The property, on Wood Street, Bolton, which dates back to around 1780, is currently empty, but for a long period was used as an office over three floors. Developers hope to sub-divide the ground, first and second floors into four one-bedroom apartments and two bedsits.
Bury
The vision for the transformation of Bury town centre
A vision for a transformed Bury town centre by redeveloping the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and the surrounding 15 acres to include less retail and more housing has been put forward.
Bury Council has published an update to its strategy for the town centre shopping complex after it acquired the centre and wider estate alongside joint venture partner Bruntwood in April 2022. The vision puts forward proposals to deliver 120 homes within its first development phase, with up to 700-800 over the entire masterplan period of 15 to 20 years.
Huge expansion of ‘outstanding’ special school will mean 70 more pupils could attend
An award winning special school hopes to build seven new classrooms and an assembly hall so they can take in 70 more pupils.
Millwood Primary Special School on School Street, Radcliffe, currently has capacity for 170 pupils. It is the primary special school for Bury for pupils aged two-11, with very complex medical needs including severe learning difficulties, autism, challenging behaviour, epilepsy, communication difficulties and sensory and multisensory impairments.
Manchester
GP surgery could be turned into flats
A doctor’s surgery in Newton Heath could soon be turned into flats, if plans are approved.
Applicant Mohammed Zain Mohbeen has submitted an application to Manchester Council to turn the Droylsden Road health centre into five flats. Cycle storage and two car parking spaces are included in the plans.
Oldham
New children's care home
Plans to turn a four bedroom house on Eric Street in Oldham into a care home for up to three children.
The proposal lodged by M.Sajawal would also contain a separate staff bedroom, with a member of caring staff present on the site at all times.
Rochdale
New plans for historic Rochdale building targeted by ‘vandals and thieves’
A grade II listed building in Rochdale which has been targeted by "thieves and vandals" could be turned into apartments after a new planning application was submitted.
Proposals submitted to the council hope to gain approval to transform the offices at Drake Street into six new flats. The application states that the building has not been used for more than two years and has been a target for vandals and thieves who have broken in several times.
Salford
No new planning applications have appeared on the Salford planning portal this week.
Stockport
New Joy Division artwork planned in Stockport to pay tribute to iconic group
New Joy Division artwork is being planned in Stockport in tribute to one of Greater Manchester's most iconic music groups.
The proposed installation is based on the cover of Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures album cover and could be created on the front of a building in Stockport's historic Underbanks if a planning application is successful. The town has close connections with the band, who used Strawberry Studios to record their work.
Tameside
New assisted learning resource base building
Longdendale High School in Hollingworth has applied to create a 'high quality' single storey assisted living and learning facility set to the west of the main school building.
It would include a main teaching classroom with an assisted learning kitchen unit as well as smaller linked teaching spaces, an office and meeting room and sensory room.
Rail maintenance depot
Network rail wants to develop a new maintenance delivery unit on land off Guide Lane in Audenshaw.
A number of existing buildings are proposed to be demolished to facilitate the site redevelopment, with a replacement building to provide 'enhanced high-quality accommodation' for its workforce.
Trafford
Former probation office set to be bulldozed as part of town centre revamp
A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the former probation office as part of the huge scheme to reshape Stretford town centre.
The site on Newton Street is adjacent to the major mixed-use development across the Stretford Mall and Lacy Street. Property company Avison Young (AY) has been asked by Trafford council to submit the application to safely clear the site before its ‘future redevelopment’ which will be brought forward via a separate planning submission next year.
Wigan
Plan to transform old pub into apartments tabled
The home of the old Red Lion pub in Atherton could be turned into new flats.
Applicant Chris Garvey wants to build nine apartments at the Church Street site within the current building. The store at the back of the old pub would be demolished as part of the proposal.
New car showroom could replace old brewery
A new car sales showroom that has taken over an old Prospect Brewery in Wigan is hoping to get approval to change the use of the site.
Local car dealer Josh Houghton Motor Company is looking to get permission for his shop at the Great George Street site. This is a retrospective application so the applicant has already moved in and is seeking permission after the fact.
