Major regeneration project promises new jobs, homes and transport links

Councillor John Blundell says the regeneration scheme will create a substantial number of jobs and homes

A major regeneration scheme will create a new link road from the M62 motorway, as well as high-quality new homes, employment space and school places, says Councillor John Blundell.

The scheme was approved by Rochdale Council's planning committee on Thursday night, but must now be referred to the Secretary of State who will consider whether to call in the application or whether the Council may proceed to determine the application.

If it proceeds, 1,000 new homes will be built, and 1.5m square feet of employment space will be created just off junction 19 on the M62. 

The road will be funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), which will contribute £10.3m, and Highways England, which has committed £1.75m. The remainder of the cost will be met by the developer,  Russell Homes UK, through the sale of homes at the site. 

The project is expected to create around 2,800 jobs, including 2,300 in the business park, once complete, and 180 temporary construction jobs each year during the build. Around 100 jobs could be supported by small scale retail uses on the site and the scheme could support a further 450 jobs across the borough. 

The new link road means vehicles accessing South Heywood Distribution Park will no longer have to travel to Simister Island and onto the M66.

A new primary school will also be created at the site, alongside eight hectares of public open space and a multi-use games area. The developer will provide money for local bus services and new bus stops. 

Councillor Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is a significant step towards further boosting the borough’s housing and business offer. It will create fantastic opportunities for our residents, many of whom will directly benefit the substantial number of jobs and homes that will be created. 

“I want Rochdale to be a place where people can get a quality home, a good job and pick up great skills, so our residents can enjoy a really good standard of living. Developments like junction 19, alongside all the other work we are doing to drive growth, will ensure we achieve that.”

However, the scheme met with fierce opposition from local residents.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117400/controversial-south-heywood-greenbelt-development-approved