Developers want farmland to build 250 new homes
NEIGHBOUR OBJECTS SAYING PLAN ‘WILL CHANGE CHARACTER OF THE AREA’
DEVELOPERS are eyeing up this piece of farmland for 250 new homes.
House builder Taylor Wimpey has unveiled plans for a new estate in Smithy Bridge, Rochdale.
The homes could be built on an agricultural land about the size of 17 football pitches.
It was earmarked for housing under the controversial first draft of development masterplan the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, publication of which has been delayed until October.
But the plans have met with some resistance, with neighbours objecting to the loss of green fields.
One resident of nearby South View Road has written to the council saying it would ‘completely change the character of the area.’
He added: “It currently has a pleasant semi-rural aspect which would disappear if this was to go through. Enough green areas have lost to urbanisation.” The details have been published in what is known as a ‘screening opinion’ submitted to Rochdale council by Taylor Wimpey. It’s the first stage of a major planning application and seeks to establish what the environmental impact of a development will be. Taylor Wimpey says it intends to submit a full planning application ‘in the coming weeks.’ A been report submitted to Rochdale council’s planning department says Taylor Wimpey has been ‘promoting the land for residential development for a number of years.’
It adds: “The site presents an opportunity to create a sustainable, distinctive and attractive development which will help meet the established housing needs of the community.”
It’s also estimates the estate could create around 100 extra car journeys on local roads during rush hours, but that, the report states ‘will not have a significant impact on the local highway network.’
The development is one of several in the pipeline for the area. Last year outline planning permission was granted for 110 houses on New Road about 500m to the north west and 50 homes are also earmarked to the immediate west of the site.