Protect Sunny Bank, Prestolee – Preserve the Land for the Community

Sunny Bank is more than simply a piece of undeveloped land.

For generations, people from Prestolee, Stoneclough and Ringley have walked through and enjoyed this area, using the route from Bridge Street towards the River Irwell. Bolton Council's own planning documentation has previously referred to an informal path running through the site from Bridge Street to the riverbank.

Many local residents can provide first-hand evidence of using this land for decades. I am 42 and have used the route throughout my life. Other residents of a similar age remember using it as children to reach the rear of their family homes on Bridge Street and continue to use it today.

Residents also remember the rebuilding of the nearby bridge in 1994, when a temporary bridge was provided and local people continued to use the route through this area. Its use did not simply begin recently – it forms part of people's memories of growing up and living in this community.

The site also has environmental importance. It sits close to the River Irwell and contains trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Its location at the entrance to Prestolee means that what happens to this land has an impact on the character of the surrounding area.

Before asking Bolton Council to become involved, I approached the current landowner directly to see whether the community might be able to purchase the land.

My approach was respectful and made clear that I understood the owner was under no obligation to sell.

During a subsequent telephone conversation, the owner confirmed that the land is not currently for sale. When discussing what it might take for him to consider selling, a figure of approximately £250,000 was indicated.

I explained that this was far beyond what the community could realistically consider and that, based on the interest shown, I believed approximately £60,000 might potentially be capable of being raised collectively.

This was not a formal offer. Any community purchase would need to be subject to an independent valuation, confirmed funding, legal checks and appropriate due diligence.

For context, Land Registry records confirm that the land was purchased for £23,000 in 2023.

That does not mean the land is still worth £23,000, nor do we suggest that the owner should be forced to sell it for that amount. However, the difference between what the community might realistically be able to raise and the figure discussed demonstrates why achieving a voluntary community purchase is currently extremely difficult.

The discussions ended respectfully. We have tried the voluntary route and would still welcome an agreed solution if one became possible.

Recent activity on the land has caused increasing concern amongst local residents about what its future might be.

We don't want to wait until this valued green space and the long-established access through it have disappeared before asking what could have been done to protect them.

We are not asking Bolton Council to prejudge any planning application, nor are we demanding that the Council immediately compulsorily purchase private land.

We are asking the Council to sit down with the community, properly consider the environmental, recreational and social value of Sunny Bank and investigate the options available to secure its future.

That could mean helping the community achieve a negotiated purchase, assisting with funding or community ownership, protecting established access, or another appropriate arrangement.

If agreement with the landowner genuinely cannot be achieved, we believe it is reasonable for Bolton Council to investigate whether compulsory purchase or another statutory mechanism could be justified in the public interest.

This land has been part of Prestolee for generations.

It has a long-used route towards the River Irwell, protected trees, environmental value and, most importantly, a history of use by the people who live here.

We're trying to find a positive solution while there is still an opportunity to do so.