Affordable homes get go-ahead despite fears
ALMOST 40 new affordable homes can be built on a former industrial site, after councillors approved a planning application.
Despite some worries over traffic and extra demand on local schools, GP surgeries and dentists, Rossendale’s development control committee said the benefits of affordable homes at the former
Slingco factory site on Station Road, Facit, would be considerable.
Applicant Westchurch Homes is behind the plan and the new homes are to be managed by Jigsaw housing association with affordable rents.
Planning officer Lauren Ashworth said the details involved demolition of old industrial buildings and construction of 37 new homes with landscaping and other works.
She said: “Slingco owns the land and relocated to
Rawtenstall last year.
“The Facit site is earmarked as employment land and has been marketed for three years.
“However, alternative uses can be allowed and I am satisfied that nonemployment uses can be supported.
“The site is close to existing shops and services, and would suit residential development.
“The developer will agree to allocating over £40,000 to fund two local school places at Whitworth High School and £20,000 for public open space.”
Resident David Peel then outlined objections including traffic safety and congestion fears, and local school places.
He said: “I represent the majority of people on Station Road. The area has a lot of traffic, including heavy wagons, speeding and vehicles parked on double yellow lines. We believe a different entrance would be better, higher up Station Road.
“I am also a governor at St Anselm’s Primary School and I know there is a lack of spaces in local schools. There are also pressures on local medical and dental services.”
Sarah Jones, of Maybern Planning & Development Ltd, spoke as an agent on behalf of the application.
She said: “Slingco’s relocation to Rawtenstall has been a success and the company has since takenon extra staff. However, the sale of the old site is still an important part of the company’s activities. There is clearly a need for affordable homes of different sizes and local housing organisations are involved to ensure this will be delivered quickly.”
She added issues regarding traffic, flooding concerns and wildlife had been fully addressed.
But Coun Janet Whitehead raised various concerns including extra traffic and the loss of industrial land.
She said: “One study said this good employment site should be kept for employment uses. Inspectors have said the borough has a shortage of good quality industrial premises. One of our planners does not think marketing of this site has been fully done and there have been queries about the price.
“There have been eight viewings in a period when almost 24 of the months
have been during lockdown. This has been a very difficult time. I’m sure there would be more interested parties who want to take on the whole site or split it into smaller units. Eight viewings in lockdown is a sign of interest.”
Coun Whitehead also suggested funding for two school places seemed low when potentially 80 children could live at the new estate. Instead of family homes, smaller bungalows for old people could be built there.
Coun Alan Neal suggested an alternative access be created from Barlow Bottoms.
However, planning officers said that would impact on green space and woodland. The existing entrance from Station Road was safe and suitable.
Planning officers said that despite the viewings, no actual offers had been put forward to buy the old Slingco site over the past three years.
Councillors approved the application.