Disabled unit plan sparks traffic fears
A‘FLAGSHIP’ disabled care complex could be built in Milnrow - but concerns have been raised about the ‘unbearable’ amount of traffic it could create.
Planning permission is being sought for 42 apartments for vulnerable adults at a site at Ladybarn, off Elizabethan Way.
Not-for-profit organisation Partners Foundation, which developed Hare Hill Court elderly care complex in Littleborough, say the development will help fill a gap for this type of accommodation in the borough.
But neighbours have raised concerns about the extra traffic the apartments, which have the initial backing of the council, could bring on what is already one of Rochdale’s busiest roads.
A statement submitted with the application described the apartments as a ‘flagship’ development which could be used as a template for future designs.
It adds: “The scheme will provide housing for vulnerable adults aged 21 upwards. A large proportion have learning disabilities among other challenges.
“Following on from the success of Hare Hill in Littleborough Partners Foundation are keen to provide another high quality care facility and the scheme will assist in the shortfall of provision identified in the borough.
“At this application stage it is considered that the architecture addresses the aesthetic of the neighbouring residential community and that the size of the site justifies the amount and scale of the development.”
But, at the time of writing eight people had objected to the plans, mainly raising concerns about the increased traffic it could create.
In an objection letter one neighbour described the amount of flats as ‘hideous’ adding: “Elizabethan Way is already congested with traffic, particularly during rush hour.
“The large number of accommodation will cause extra pressure on the roads and transport chaos.
“This area is a quiet well-knit community and the large numbers of extra people will cause so much more noise.”
Another objector wrote: “I object to this development on two parts.
“The first is the additional strain that 42 residential dwellings will place roads, public transport and healthcare.
“Elizabethan Way is already in gridlock for around four hours a day, extra traffic will make this unbearable.”
The development will be split into two buildings, containing 32 and 12 apartments and will include 28 parking spaces.
The application will be decided at a later date.