|
Bury is situated on the northern edge of the Manchester conurbation and is one of 10 districts which make up the County of Greater Manchester. It covers an area of approximately 9,900 hectares, or 162 sq. kilometres, and in mid 1998 had an estimated population of 182,800. The Borough lies broadly in the valley of the River Irwell and has a variety of environments and settlements. Indeed, much of its character comes from its pleasant blend of town and country, with over 50% of the land in open land uses. The north contains a variety of modern residential areas, semi-rural villages and old industrial towns overshadowed by the hills and moorland of the West Pennines; the south contains more extensive commuter suburbs, some within four miles of Manchester City Centre, and gentler, lower-lying countryside. The town of Bury provides the natural focus of the area, being centrally located, the largest town and one of the principal centres in the Greater Manchester conurbation. The five other major settlements of the district, all have their own individual identity; they are Ramsbottom and Tottington in the north, Radcliffe in the south-west and Whitefield and Prestwich in the south. Bury is not only well related to the regional centre of Manchester, but is also very well situated for communications with the rest of the North West and the country as a whole. The M66, M60 and M62 run through the area, and provide access to the regional and national motorway network, along with easy access to Manchester International Airport, and the first phase of Metrolink, the modern light rapid transit system which will eventually operate throughout Greater Manchester, also runs through the Borough.
What is Planning?
A system of "Planning" was first introduced in the late 1880s to combat the squalid urban conditions which arose out of the industrial revolution. Later legislation sought to check the rapid growth of towns and to improve their appearance and amenity. Today, planning is concerned with the total environment, both urban and rural, and seeks to balance the need for various forms of development and conservation. Choices have to be made between the need for new houses, shops, factories and offices, and the need to retain open land as farmland, recreational land and wildlife sites. Development sites also need to be well related to transport routes. Planning is also concerned with the appearance and quality of new development and with the impact of new proposals on neighbouring sites.
Planning in Bury
In Bury, planning is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Borough Council, although its decisions need to be in general conformity with nation and regional planning policy. Planning matters are dealt with by both the Cabinet and Executive Committee and the Planning Control Sub-Committee which considers all planning applications. It is our aim to regenerate and improve the environment throughout the Borough, and wherever possible to contribute to the Council's corporate aims, which are to: Develop a stronger community spirit Improve transport and the environment Create a better future for all generations Develop a competitive and diverse local economy Improve the quality and availaibility of Council services Make oure communities safer and healthier Achieve social inclusion These aims are a result of wide spread consultation at Borough and Area level (including a leaflet to every household in 1999) and reflect the themes of the Cpommunity Strategy. They set out the overall direction for the Coiuncil, what it intends to achieve and the steps needed to implement its plans. This action is intended to aid the Council in achieving its mission of making Bury a great place in which to live, work, visit and study.
|
