Middleton councillors oppose proposed housing development

Landscaped development to the north of Middleton

A number of Middleton councillors are opposed to a proposed housing development which could be built on green fields around Hollin Lane and Langley Lane. The development, which has been proposed by Taylor Wimpey, would see 357 new homes built.

Under the plans, which have not yet been approved by Rochdale Council, the development would see 205 homes built off of Hollin Lane, around St Anne’s Academy with another 152 homes built on a separate plot of land off Langley Lane.

The land is not designated green belt, it is protected open land which does not have the same safeguards against development.

At Thursday's (12 June) Middleton Township committee meeting, Councillor Neil Emmott expressed his views about the development and
firmly said that he was “opposed” to the plans.

He said: “In the council’s core strategy the land is not designated for development, it is designated as open space. To make it clear, the council has not promoted this is any way. As I am not on the planning committee, I can say that I will oppose these plans and I will advise my fellow councillors to do the same.”

Councillor Lil Murphy, councillor for Middleton West, also said she would oppose the plans and Councillor Linda Robinson added: “If residents want to oppose the plans then I will support them.”

The plans were revealed to the public at a public consultation event last weekend and would also include new community facilities, woodland planting and public open spaces. It is understood that the plans could be revised based on feedback from the consultation.

Andrew Thorley, Regional Director at Taylor Wimpey, said: “Middleton has a growing need for more high-quality homes and these proposals have great potential to provide a careful and well-designed development which will provide a range of new homes designed for first-time buyers, growing families and those looking to downsize.

“The development would also bring a range of other benefits to Middleton, including almost 150 jobs during construction and apprenticeships for local young people, an additional £9m of spending per year by new residents in local shops and services, and secure an extra £3.1m of government money to be spent in Middleton by Rochdale Council as part of the New Homes Bonus.”

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87464/taylor-wimpey-welcomes-ideas-for-middleton-proposals