I have just returned from Bury Councils Executive meeting at which the Councils Executive passed the Love Prestwich Regeneration strategy unaminously.

My colleague Cllr Tim Pickstone who attends the Executive on behalf of the Lib Dem Group, welcomed the strategy.

The strategy document sees the redevelopment of the Longfield Centre precinct with anew retail store, revamped library and Longfield suite coupled with more offices, shops a hotel and wider high street paving, larger open square area in the middle and much more.

Approval followed critical questioning from a representative of Tesco’s and supportive questioning from local residents and the Precinct owners, Hollins Murray Group.

The strategy will now become a material planning document. This means that any planning applications that come forward from developers (including Tesco’s) will be matched to the requirements , criteria and strategy outlined in this document.

Whatever happens next I am delighted that the biggest ever public consultation carried out in this area has finally been accepted by Bury Council. We must now await Hollins Murray Planning Applications and with the expectation that they are acceptable in light of the adoption of this strategy.

Stage 1 – mission accomplished, onto the next stage!

I would finish by thanking everyone who had an input into the strategy and have effectively helped create a truly acceptable blueprint for the future of Prestwich Village.