Concerns for locals in regen plan
CONCERNS have been raised for people in a deprived area after a development ‘masterplan’ went out to consultation.
The council document sets out a broad-brush strategy for Lower Falinge, in Rochdale, including the potential for new housing and a different mix of homes.
A previous version of the plan included neighbouring College Bank better known as the Seven Sisters.
This has since been removed after the council fell out with landlord, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, over its controversial plan to demolish four of the landmark tower blocks.
But while relations between the two parties remain frosty, the local authority does want to support RBH’s regeneration plans for Lower Falinge.
It has begun consulting on a ‘supplementary planning document’ (SPD) for the area, setting out a vision for a ‘high quality, attractive neighbourhood.’
The document is purposefully ‘high level’ and does not set out detailed plans in terms of housing numbers and their type or mix.
But bosses concede this will ‘undoubtedly’ involve some demolition in the area, ranked as the most deprived in Greater Manchester.
The rehousing of tenants in College Bank and Lower Falinge – which has already seen some demolition – has been a deeply controversial topic over recent years. And it again sparked concerns at a meeting of a council scrutiny committee on Wednesday night.
Coun Tom Besford said he was anxious to ensure there was no suggestion of ‘social engineering’ in the plan.
“I’m really keen to make sure that, whatever happens, anyone who currently lives in this area is able to currently still live in this area and isn’t forced to move out,” he said.
The SPD is intended to guide and set principles for the regeneration of Lower Falinge – setting a framework for more specific and detailed proposals in future.
But Coun Besford said that should be no barrier to reassuring residents ‘at the earliest possible stage’
He also asked for a breakdown of the numbers of affordable and social housing now, and estimates for the future. Committee chair Coun Danny Meredith echoed his concerns.
“I think what residents get really upset about is it seems to be that nothing is given to them until the last minute,” he said.
And Coun Meredith added that it was ‘upsetting’ to see social housing being knocked down again.
Coun Sameena Zaheer took a similar view. “They talk about ‘mixed housing,’ I want a definition of that, not just a basic plan to tell us what we are going to do with that land,” she said.
However regeneration boss, Coun John Blundell, sought to reassure his colleagues that residents had nothing to fear from the plan.
“Yes, this document would give us the powers to have those conversations with people,” he said. “But Rochdale council isn’t in the business of turfing people out of their homes without giving them the option of something they can genuinely afford.”
Coun Blundell said that the SPD could not include the ‘finer details,’ but issues such as housing mix would be decided through the existing ‘council structures’ further down the line.
The committee will recommend that the report includes specific figures in terms of the mix of tenancy types in Lower Falinge when it goes to cabinet for adoption, following consultation.
Consultation on the Lower Falinge draft continues until March 26.
The council isn’t in the business of turfing people out of their homes
Coun John Blundell
SOPHIE KING
Midwife at preganancy & miscarriage charity Tommy’s
THERE were congratulations from around the globe for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they announced last week, they were expecting their second child.
In 2020 Meghan suffered a miscarriage, and opened up about her experiences in The New York Times. In a piece entitled ‘The Losses We Share’ she wrote: “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.
“Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears.”
According to the NHS, miscarriages are more common than many of us realise, with about one in eight pregnancies miscarriage.
Sophie King, midwife at pregnancy and miscarriage charity Tommy’s (tommys.org), says celebrating a new pregnancy might feel “bittersweet” for Harry and Meghan, as it can bring back memories of their previous loss. Children born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death are often called ‘rainbow babies’ – representative of a rainbow after a storm, but Sophie says it’s important to recognise what you went through.
“Any expectant or new parent may struggle with anxiety, but it can be very hard for those who have lost babies to believe that won’t happen again, or they may feel guilty for being excited about a new ending in arrival while grieving a sibling,” she explains.
Anyone who is pregnant after suffering a miscarriage will have a different experience, but these are some ways you can help ease potential feelings of anxiety...
Connect with others in your position
“Grappling with these issues can feel very lonely, but networks like Tommy’s Parenting After Loss Support Group on Facebook can help families connect and cope,” says Sophie.
Talk to your doctor
When you’re newly pregnant, you might feel nervous about suffering another miscarriage. “Healthcare professionals also offer support throughout the jourknown ney, such as extra scans for reassurance or talking therapy if parents are struggling at any point,” says Sophie.
Tommy’s says recurrent miscarriages are ‘very rare’, affecting 1% of people trying to conceive.
Focus on what makes you calm
“Focus on your physical and mental health, doing things you enjoy or find relaxing, says Sophie. “Grief, pregnancy and parenting are all very tiring, so take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself.”
Express your emotions
“Talk to someone, or release emotions into a journal, but don’t keep things in – reach out for support if you need it,” advises Sophie.
If you need support, you can contact midwives at Tommy’s on 0800 014 7800 Mon-Fri, 9am to