Campaigners 'deeply disappointed' at permission for development of land off New Road

The extent of flooding on the application site

StopRussellHomes campaigners opposing the development of land off New Road, Littleborough are deeply disappointed with the decision to grant planning permission for the development of 110 homes on Land off New Road.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106681/controversial-planning-application-for-development-in-littleborough-passed

Tony Perkins said: “We are highly critical of the report that planning officers presented to members of the Planning and Licensing Committee recommending approval of the application. We believe this was highly subjective, and was supported by the selective application of planning policy.

“We are very concerned that planning officer’s failed to provide a 'point by point' response to the representations made by objectors. There was no evidence within the report that due and proper consideration was given to the objections raised.

"A constant theme of feedback from some members of the public has been ‘that you are wasting your time opposing the application as the Council will approve it anyway’. The failure of planning officers to respond in detail to the numerous concerns raised by objectors is shameful, and serves to reinforce the perception that the views of the public do not count, and are not given due consideration.

“The development proposals represent a significant deviation from planning policy and the National Planning Policy Framework states that whilst there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, where proposals do not comply with local planning policy they should be refused. We clearly demonstrated that the development proposals do not comply with local planning policy and the criteria to justify the release of the application site has not been fully met.

“Management of flood risk arising from the proposed development has been an ongoing concern. We were very surprised that a representative from the Lead Flood Authority (Rochdale Council) was not in attendance at the meeting to address these concerns, and provide advice, and guidance to members of the committee.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley commented: “The committee failed to consider the grounds for refusing permission that had been highlighted to them, and disregarded the advice that legal precedent dictates that where there is harm to listed buildings, or their setting, this alone gives rise to a strong presumption against the grant of planning permission, or risk being in breach of legislation.”

James Rothwell observed: “The lasting impression is that the Planning Department and some members of the committee were determined to 'ram' through approval of the application and in so doing, disregard any opposing view.”

Tony Perkins added: “We are considering registering a complaint with the Council in respect of the process through which the Planning Department reached the decision to recommend approval of the application and will be exploring the option of requesting a judicial review of the decision taken.”