‘The loss of the green belt is the thing that people are most worried about’
TOWN hall chiefs have called it a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to secure Rochdale’s future prosperity.
But a 20 year masterplan to build more than 7,000 homes and create thousands of new jobs across the borough has also led to resistance from some quarters.
The loss of greenbelt and sports pitches, traffic problems, unaffordable house prices and increased pressure on schools and health services are just some of the concerns raised by opponents to the plan, dubbed the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.
A draft plan is currently out to public consultation, with proposals for Rochdale including the expansion of Kingsway and Stakehill business parks, better access to Kingsway from J21 of the M62 and a series of new exits from the A627(M) and thousands of new homes on sites across the borough.
We spoke to a number of objectors to find out why they are opposing the vision for the borough put forward by the city region’s leaders.
Fields off Norden Road in Coun Jane Howard’s Bamford ward have been earmarked for 750 new homes ‘targeting the top end of the housing market’. A recent meeting at Bamford Chapel, organised by the Bamford Green Belt Group, saw nearly 300 people turn out to voice their objections to the proposal.
Coun Howard said: “It was a really good turnout and shows just how important this issue is to people. Obviously the loss of the greenbelt is the thing people are most worried about, that’s what makes Bamford so attractive - the fields, countryside and sporting infrastructure. If there are 750 new homes you need public services for them doctors, schools, roads. People think the infrastructure is not appropriate for that many homes.”
Anne Shorrock, from Bamford Green Belt Group, added: “I am horrified at the alarming news of the proposed building of 750 executive type properties in Bamford. The site involved, which is green belt land, stretches from the right hand side of Jowkin Lane across to Hollin Lane and then carries on behind Bamford Mews and along the rear of the properties on Norford Way.”
Rochdale Tennis Club, on Hollin Lane, could be forced to relocate as part of the Bamford plans.
And secretary Keith Butler, says the club is facing ‘a lengthy period of uncertainty’ while the plans are finalised .
He said: “The documents say ‘Any proposal should seek to ensure that sporting facilities are retained or adequately replaced in an appropriate location’. This statement is welcome but it does not necessarily guarantee that it would be included in the final proposals.
“Relocation of the club would, of course, involve a lengthy, complex and expensive project for the club. That could beneficial but would depend completely on the new location, and the availability of funds and volunteers to carry out the project. The uncertainty is already affecting us as we need to upgrade two of our five courts but we don’t know whether such an investment would be a waste of time and money.”
Council-owned playing fields in Bamford used by Bridge Junior Football Club have also been ear- ●●Coun Pat Sullivan, Anne Shorrock from the Bamford Greenbelt Group and Coun Jane Howard at fields near Bamford Chapel which are earmarked for development under the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework marked for housing
Chair Barry Woodburn says the proposals had thrown the future existence of the club into question. He said: “It’s massively in jeopardy. It’s actually threatened the very fabric of what we do.
“We recently entered into a 25-year lease with the council, that has about 18 years left to run. We have 10 football pitches, a pavilion and 27 different squads that accommodate hundreds of kids from age four to 16. “It could put us out of existence.”