Plans for new canal-side café would mean narrowing waterway

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A new canal side café is set to be built close to a controversial housing development. A planning application has been lodged this week by Watson Homes for the hospitality development on land between Mytham Road and the Manchester, Bolton and Bury canal in Little Lever, Bolton.

The plans are for the development of a single storey canal side café, associated parking, outdoor seating and landscaping. The plans also propose the narrowing of the canal in the vicinity of the café.

The café will be close to the Watson 300-homes Creams Mill development which is currently under construction. The demolished mill area being developed is set between the canal and the northern bank of the River Irwell close to Moses Gate Country Park. Join the Manchester Politics WhatsApp group here Despite Bolton Council refusing planning permission for the major scheme, Watson won an appeal with the planning inspectorate approving the scheme in early 2023.

Watson argued the project was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to restore the canal, supported by various stakeholders and, along with delivering affordable homes, that proved a case for the ‘very special circumstances’ required to justify development in the green belt.