Flats for over-55s rejected

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an apartment block for over-55s with care needs on the site of two houses in Tameside have been knocked back by councillors over highway safety fears.

The proposal to build a block of 29 one-bedroom flats on Ralphs Lane for people over 55 with care needs, along with their partner, spouse and children, was supported by planning officers but opposed by dozens of residents.

Objectors argued that as access to the site was by a single private road, which had no footpath and was used regularly by ambulances, the extra cars caused as a result of the new development would result in a safety hazard.

People were also worried that the three-storey building would tower over the existing housing estate on the road.

Members of the borough’s planning committee voted to go against the official recommendation and refused the application.

Principal planning officer David Thompson said projections showed the need for this type of housing would increase ‘dramatically’ in the next 20 years. He said: “There is a need for this type of accommodation in the borough. Officers are satisfied that the housing need would outweigh the impact of the loss of open space.”

Objecting to the plans, Kevin Wilkinson said that Ralphs Lane was a narrow, unadopted lane which would not be able to cope with the increase in traffic.