Residents say no to Rakewood property development plans

Proposed Rakewood property development plans - The elevations (existing and proposed) are amended views with all structures that are screened by trees at all times removed for clarification

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Residents living near a derelict mill in Littleborough have urged the council not to go ahead with plans to approve property development on the site.

Rakewood Lower Mill, near Hollingworth Lake, is the subject of plans for 27 new properties and these plans will be heard by councillors at next Monday’s (Monday 13 January) meeting of the council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee.

If the proposal is approved, a brick weaving shed and brick textile mill will be demolished at the back of the dilapidated site with 13 new houses being built in what is a green belt area.

Following that, the southern weaving shed, chimney and boiler house will be converted into a further 14 properties whilst a two storey extension will be added to the roof of the southern weaving shed.

Local resident Steve Ashworth has started a petition against the housing development, raising concerns about traffic on the narrow road amongst other issues.

“We only started the petition on Tuesday (7 January) and we have already got 2,635 signatures.

“If you mention Hollingworth Lake then people in Rochdale are up in arms.

“The single track road is not ideal as it is for people walking with dogs and pushchairs and we’ve estimated that these houses will see at least another 360 vehicles pass down this road every day.

“To build 27 silly houses and a glass monstrosity would be ridiculous. I haven’t spoken to anybody who thinks this is a good idea.”

Mr Ashworth agrees that something needs to be done to the mill, however, he has his own proposals for it.

“The applicant is only interested in money. He is from Manchester and has no attachment to Hollingworth Lake. I’ve tried to talk to the council planning department but it’s honestly like talking to a plank of wood.

“The mill has no historical value. It is not a heritage site or a listed building. We don’t see the point in enabling the mill as there’s nothing there worth saving. The current owner has said that she isn’t selling the mill for profit.

"Our proposal is to pay for the mill to be knocked down and build something ourselves for the people who walk the lake.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “The Lower Rakewood Mill application has yet to be determined by the council and will be considered by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee on Monday, during which the Committee will consider the planning merits of the scheme. There will an opportunity for public speaking.

“It has been recommended for approval by planning officers and was supported by a majority vote at the Pennines Planning Sub Committee meeting in December with a final decision to now be made by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.

“It will be a matter for the Committee to determine having considered the report and representations raised.”

Over 3,000 people have now signed the online petition, with many leaving their comments on the website.

Amanda Richardson commented “We don't want anymore of our countryside spoiled, the lake is a natural habitat for lots of wildlife and there is already too much traffic without adding to it." 

“The roads can't take any more vehicular traffic up here, driving to and from work is already horrendous on Smithybridge's and Littleborough's over congested roads,” added Darren Ellidge.

If you wish to help Mr Ashworth’s campaign against the development you can sign the petition by clicking on the following link:

http://chn.ge/1hsUHUg