Area Overview for BL9 8FT

Area Information

BL9 8FT, part of the village of Unsworth in Greater Manchester, is a small residential cluster with a population of 1,448. Situated on high ground between Parr Brook and Whittle Brook, it lies near the A56 arterial road, linking Bury and Manchester via Sunny Bank Road. Historically a rural area, Unsworth saw urbanisation from the 1950s, with housing developments shaping its character. The area retains traces of its past, including former industrial sites like Victoria Mills, now repurposed. BL9 8FT is a compact community with a mix of older and newer homes, offering proximity to both urban amenities and green spaces. Its small size means residents share a tight-knit environment, with local landmarks like Sunny Bank Primary School anchoring daily life. The postcode’s location ensures easy access to nearby towns, while its low flood risk and absence of protected natural areas make it a practical choice for families and commuters.

Area Type
Postcode
Area Size
Not available
Population
1448
Population Density
3792 people/km²

BL9 8FT is a largely owner-occupied area, with 88% of homes owned by residents rather than rented. The housing stock is dominated by houses, which is typical for a small, rural postcode cluster. This suggests a community prioritising private, family homes over apartments or flats. The limited size of the area means the property market is compact, with few new developments. Buyers should expect a mix of older and mid-century homes, many of which are likely to have been occupied for decades. The high home ownership rate indicates a stable market, but the small number of properties available may make competition fierce for buyers. Those seeking rental properties will find limited options, as the area is not a hotbed for landlords.

House Prices in BL9 8FT

No properties found in this postcode.

Energy Efficiency in BL9 8FT

BL9 8FT offers a range of amenities within practical reach. Local shops include Co-op Parr, Spar, and Asda Blackford, providing everyday essentials. The nearby metro stops at Whitefield, Besses o’th’barn, and Radcliffe connect residents to larger retail and leisure hubs. Three railway stations—Clifton, Swinton, and Kearsley—offer access to Manchester and Bury’s cultural and commercial centres. A bus stop at Chorlton Street Coach Station adds to the transport network. While the area lacks major parks or leisure facilities, its proximity to the A56 and nearby towns ensures easy access to green spaces and entertainment. The mix of retail, transport, and connectivity creates a convenient lifestyle, blending local convenience with urban accessibility.

Amenities

Schools

The nearest school to BL9 8FT is Sunny Bank Primary School, which serves the local community. The school is rated 'good' by Ofsted, reflecting its quality of education and facilities. As a primary school, it caters to younger children, though no secondary schools are listed in the data. Families in BL9 8FT rely on this single primary school for early education, which may require planning for secondary schooling in nearby towns. The presence of a 'good' rated primary school is a key draw for families, though the lack of local secondary options could influence decisions for households with older children.

RankA + A* %SchoolTypeEntry genderAges
1N/ASunny Bank Primary SchoolprimaryN/AN/A
2N/ASunny Bank Primary SchoolprimaryN/AN/A

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Demographics

The median age in BL9 8FT is 47, with the majority of residents aged 30–64. This suggests a mature, stable community with a strong presence of middle-aged adults. Home ownership is exceptionally high at 88%, indicating long-term residency and investment in property. The area is predominantly composed of houses, reflecting a preference for family homes over flats. The predominant ethnic group is White, though specific diversity statistics are not provided. The high home ownership rate and age profile suggest a community focused on established living, with fewer young families or transient populations. This demographic profile aligns with the area’s character as a quiet, residential enclave rather than a rapidly developing suburb.

Household Size

Family (3-5 people)
most common

Accommodation Type

Houses
most common

Tenure

88
majority

Ethnic Group

White
most common

Religion

N/A
most common

Household Composition

N/A
most common

Age

47
median
Adults (30-64 years)
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

41
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Locked
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Locked
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Locked
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Locked
  • Protected Woodland
    Locked
  • Crime Risk
    Locked

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the community feel like in BL9 8FT?
BL9 8FT has a population of 1,448, with 88% home ownership and a median age of 47. The community is predominantly middle-aged adults, suggesting a stable, long-term resident base. The small size fosters a tight-knit environment, though limited amenities and services are concentrated locally.
Who typically lives in BL9 8FT?
Residents are mostly adults aged 30–64, with 88% owning their homes. The area is predominantly White, and the housing stock consists mainly of houses, reflecting a family-oriented demographic with long-term residency.
What schools are available near BL9 8FT?
Sunny Bank Primary School is the nearest school, rated 'good' by Ofsted. No secondary schools are listed, so families may need to plan for secondary education in nearby towns like Bury or Manchester.
How connected is BL9 8FT to transport and the internet?
The area has excellent broadband (score 100) and good mobile coverage (score 85). Three railway stations and nearby metro stops provide strong transport links to Manchester and Bury, with a bus stop adding flexibility.
Is BL9 8FT a safe area to live?
BL9 8FT has a 'critical' crime risk rating (score 0/100), indicating above-average crime rates. Residents are advised to take enhanced security measures, though flood risk is low with no natural constraints.

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