Action group oppose application for new homes in Littleborough

A planning application to build seven houses on land close to Starring Road, Littleborough, has been opposed by an action group who say they have serious safety concerns.

The Starring Road Action Group was formed to pursue objections raised by residents. A total of 70 letter of objection have been sent in by residents who say they are worried that there will be obstructed visibility due to a sharp bend at the junction.

Another issue is the proposal to use the single track public footpath as the means for vehicles, including heavy commercials, to access the development.

Group spokesman Murray Knight said: “The junction consists of a 90-degree single track blind corner, the most serious aspect of the safety issue.

"The area is a public footpath, with access to Barkers Wood, extensively used by pedestrians, walkers, dog walkers, elderly and disabled, and there have been numerous incidents logged, including a child narrowly avoiding being struck by a car, and an incident with disabled person on a mobility scooter and a large vehicle reversing.

“These incidents have all occurred with relatively low traffic flow at the junction, but planning consent would double the number of dwellings utilising the facility. Pupils of Wardle Academy and St Andrews Primary Schools also utilise the area to commute, and the head teachers of both have expressed in writing their concerns regarding pupil safety.

“The safety issue would also be increased considering the restricted access of the junction with the necessity for access for the heavy construction vehicles involved should this application be granted consent.

“The junction proposed in the current application being considered as safe access has not changed in any way to when the decision was made to reject the planning applications in 2001 and 2004, and only a significant change in policy by Rochdale MBC regarding safety issues when considering planning applications can possibly result in this application being granted consent.”

The Council Planning Committee will meet on 15 August where the details of the application will be discussed.