£30m Salford green belt garden gets green light

The last stage in the planning process of Salford’s £30 million RHS Garden Bridgewater has been successfully passed, despite concerns over locating it on the green belt.

Salford City Council’s planning panel granted planning permission in principle for the 154-acre garden in May, but plans had to be approved by the Department for Communities and Local Government because the site is in the green belt.

The Royal Horticultural Society had welcomed the news, which will see them progress plans for the biggest gardening project in Europe and create ‘our first new garden in 17 years’.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Salford and Greater Manchester. RHS Garden Bridgewater will not only bring the historic grounds of Worsley New Hall back to life, but will also create jobs and business opportunities for the local area.

“The fifth national garden will be a national and a community asset, a key example of green infrastructure in Greater Manchester, creating a real public amenity within our green-belt. As a local council we are looking forward to working with the Royal Horticultural Society on the garden and in Salford’s communities for many years to come.”