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Three planning applications relating to the park have been approved including installing barrier control systems and
widening the St. Margaret's Lodge entrance of the Park, installing new gates, and creating new play facilities, additional car parking and permanent access from Sheepfoot Lane plus landscaping and boundary works.

Manchester City Council's development control and traffic regulation committee approved the scheme subject to referral to the secretary of State and consultation with neighbouring Bury Metropolitan Council to investigate the need for any highway improvements to St. Margaret's Road. Which falls within Bury's boundary.

Residents living near the entrance on the Bury side of the boundary complain the developments will create road congestion, put pedestrians at risk and result in unacceptable noise in the residential area noted for its six-figure stockbroker-belt homes.

Councillor Tony Burns, the committee chairman, was satisfied the right decision had been made in the interests of the whole of Greater Manchester and the benefits to be wrought from the Commonwealth Games.

He said: "The Committee has reached its decision on these planning applications having considered all the relevant details. A fair and extensive consultation has been carried out examining all the issues raised, and taking into account the views of local people and their representatives.

"This is a very significant development in social, recreational and economic terms for Greater Manchester and the region and the committee is satisfied that the correct decision has been made."

The applications had been submitted as part of the long-term strategy to restore Heaton Park to its former splendour and ensure that it takes its place alongside other major leisure attractions in the city and beyond. The improvements have been made possible through an award of almost ?5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.