Fears over further loss of green space

Fresh fears have been voiced over the loss of green space in Middleton after plans were submitted for a new housing development.

Hundreds of new homes are already in the pipeline for areas of land around Langley Lane and Hollin Lane – despite hard-fought residents’ campaigns.

Feelings are again running high after Hollins Strategic Land lodged proposals for 26 new three and four-bedroom houses on grazing land near Langley Lane and Silver Birch Stables, Birch.

The greenfield site, which sits next to Birch Village Conservation Area,  is classed as protected open land by the council and also forms a small part of the green corridor.

A statement accompanying the application claims ‘the design of the scheme will result in a development that will respond positively to the character of the surrounding area’.

And a heritage assessment adds that viewpoints into the conservation area will not be affected as housing along Heywood Old Road and the vegetated boundary along Langley Lane will minimise the visual impact.

The developer also claims that the layout of the scheme will deter criminal behaviour.

But, to date, 32 objections have been lodged by members of the public, while, by contrast only one has been made in support of the scheme.

One opponent of the plans said: “As a resident of Barn Silver Birch I strongly object to this application. The application will all but erase a green space which supports an abundance of wildlife and fauna.

“Traffic on Langley Lane has exploded in terms of volume in recent years and this will greatly add to that.”

They added: “Furthermore there are houses being built further on up the lane and beyond, erasing more green space. The vista from the barn will be ruined, combined with even more noise from the proposed road and ensuing traffic.

“The council have responsibility to protect and conserve the environment and its residents and to grant this application will violate this responsibility.”

The comments were echoed by a fellow objector  from Lyme Clough Way, who said: “I’m objecting to this development as there are houses being built at the top of Langley Lane and also opposite St Ann’s Academy. This is already going to add pollution and stress on local services with even more developments being added.”

They added that  the proposals had made them consider leaving the area as it was in danger of becoming ‘one huge housing estate with hardly any fields left’, going on to argue that there are ‘plenty of derelict buildings that could be used in Middleton’.

Another, from Bonscale Crescent, added: “The whole area is being overdeveloped with no consideration for our wildlife , air and noise pollution and congestion – it’s just all about the money.”

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter