‘Largest cotton mill’ site could be new homes
THE site of what was once believed to be the world’s largest cotton mill could be transformed into a new housing estate.
Dunlop Cotton Mill, in Castleton, Rochdale, employed thousands of textile workers during its heyday but was largely demolished by 1979, following the decline of the industry.
The operation wound down all together 14 years ago when Dunlop Textiles went into liquidation.
But the Royle Road site could now be reborn as a modern housing development.
Countryside Properties has submitted planning proposals for 218 houses and a block of 24 twobedroom apartments to Rochdale council planning chiefs.
There will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, with 34 available for social or affordable rent, and 38 earmarked for affordable home-ownership.
Some remaining industrial buildings on the site will have to be demolished as part of the scheme.
The housebuilder says development will create attractive, high quality’ area.
A document accompanying the proposals adds: “This planning application will improve the local area, benefit local people and the wider borough.
“It represents the type of residential development which the government is encouraging and will help to improve people’s lives and economic prosperity in the borough.”
It goes on to say that the new homes would ‘largely benefit the character’ of the area ‘bringing a vacant site back into active use and reducing industrial traffic.’
Close to Castleton train station, and the A627 (M), the developer also says the site’s ‘highly accessible’ location is another of its advantages.
Castleton ward councillor Billy Sheerin said he was ‘delighted’ plans had been brought forward to build on a brownfield site. the ‘an
He said: “With the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation being reopened we are focusing on trying to develop brownfield sites to protect our green belt and, in Castleton, at the south end of the village at Stakehill, we have plans for 900 homes.
“And we would rather see housing on brownfield sites prior to any development in the green belt.”
However, Coun Sheerin also sounds a note of caution – warning improvements to highways and local services will be needed to cope with the influx of new residents.
“We are a bit worried about Royle Road. It’s a very heavily used road and will be the access road into the new housing estate,” he said.
“If there are 240 new homes each one with perhaps one vehicle – that’s another 200-plus vehicles into the mix,” he added.
He also stressed that new school places and health facilities would be required.