Rochdale Observer

Vision of the future at former mill site

- NICK STATHAM Local Democracy Service

THIS image shows how an historic former mill site could be transforme­d into new homes.

Proposals to build 32 new houses and apartments at Tack Lea Works, in Birtle, near Rochdale, have been lodged by property developer Hall & Co.

The firm has hailed its plans for the 19th century dye-works – more recently home to Melba Plastics

– as a ‘model for sustainabl­e living,’ that ‘takes inspiratio­n from the area’s agricultur­al past.’

The scheme has been revised from an earlier version and no longer includes a farm shop, while the number of homes has been reduced so it is ‘more closely aligned to the expectatio­ns of the neighbouri­ng residents.’

While located In the green belt, the applicant argues the developmen­t would not result in any greater impact than the previous buildings on the site.

Permission to develop the site for a 14-home scheme was also granted back in 2019 and remains in place as a ‘fall back option.’

Jamie Hall, director at Hall & Co, said: “Our plans for Tack Lea Works would deliver 32 high quality new homes in a highly sustainabl­e setting, each thoughtful­ly designed to reflect Birtle’s agricultur­al past and to create a thriving new community built on shared values.

“We’re pleased to be able to reveal our plans for the site and look forward to progressin­g this exciting new developmen­t, transformi­ng a welllocate­d, underused site and returning it to positive use.”

The latest plans would see 26 houses – ranging from two to five bedrooms – built at the site, off Bury and Rochdale Old Road, along with a block of six two – bedroom apartments.

Houses would have two parking spaces each and the apartments one, with a further four bays for visitors.

The applicant says the scheme has been ‘designed to nurture the creation of a close community, including a mix of stone cottages and mill houses, ‘reflecting local character with red brick and stone walls and slate roofs.’

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 ?? ?? ●●What the new homes could look like
●●What the new homes could look like

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