Work to begin on controversial Broad Lane housing development within the next month

Work is set to begin on a housing development on land off of Broad Lane from next month.

Rochdale Council originally rejected the plans for the development in September 2012 after a strong campaign with a 600 signature petition signed by local residents and councillors was presented to them.

Campaigners were concerned about road safety, flood risk, health problems, the lack of open space and pressure on school places.

In May of last year the decision was overturned on appeal after the council offered no evidence. Campaigners then had to defend the original decision to refuse permission at the appeal themselves.

Both Wainhomes and Taylor Wimpey have planning permission for the site and they hope that work on the first 60 homes on the field on the west side of the road will soon be under way.

Steve Toghill, Managing Director for Wainhomes, confirmed plans to start work in February and said: “Properties will be available for the public to purchase from the summer.”

Wainhomes will be developing a range of classic luxury homes to suit a range of purchasers. This will include spacious three bedroom properties as well as larger four bedroom detached properties with double garages.

Taylor Wimpey plan to start their phase of the development at the beginning of May and estimate that the development will take four years. The company will be building 110 two storey houses ranging from two bedroom to four bedroom sized properties.

When asked what the development would do for Rochdale, Steve Toghill said: “The development will make a significant contribution to much needed new housing in the Rochdale borough in addition to creating new jobs and stimulating both local and wider economy growth.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey added: “It will bring jobs, investment, increase local spend in the area and deliver much needed housing to bolster the supply in Rochdale which is greatly needed.

"We think Broad Lane is a great place to deliver new homes with a range of benefits for the existing local community.”

Taylor Wimpey estimates that “approximately £10m would be provided by the construction of around 110 homes, in turn this could sustain approximately 170 direct full time jobs during the construction phase.”

It is also understood that road improvements will be undertaken at Broad Lane and funded by the developers.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/80647/broad-lane-housing-plans-get-go-ahead