Detailed plans submitted for controversial housing scheme

Detailed plans for a housing development that was granted planning permission despite attracting hundreds of objections have been lodged with Rochdale Council.

Developer Taylor Wimpey was given the green light  to build up to 205 homes east of Hollin Lane in October 2015 - but on the condition that ‘reserved matters’ relating to landscaping, access, appearance and scale, were acceptable to planning chiefs.

Final details for the first phase of the scheme – which will feature 103 homes – have twice been brought forward by the firm.

Now they have been revised for a third time following what the company describes as ‘extensive discussion’ with council officers.

A covering letter to the council from agents Turley states the landscaping and scale of the proposed development remains unchanged from what was agreed under two previous applications but the locations of the ‘Alton G house-type’ - a three-bedroom mews home - have been changed to reflect recommendations made by the council.

The will now be situated on Stott Lane and along the internal access road that leads to Stott Lane.

The letter, from Turley’s associate director Anna Relph, says: “The Alton G housetype is integrated well within the development and will not be located along the site frontage, which was the previous concern from members (of the council).

“This application will enable Taylor Wimpey to bring forward the first phase of residential development in the short-term and should therefore be supported in accordance with the government’s pro-growth agenda.”

“The revised proposals have been informed by extensive discussions with the council officers and this letter demonstrates that the proposals are consistent with all development plan policies 

“Accordingly this reserved matters application should be approved without delay.”

The document also states that the development will boast a ‘high quality landscaping scheme’ with a significant number of trees creating boulevard style streets.

There will be a mix of detached and mews-style homes, as well as a 3m wide cycle and footpath providing a link through the Hollin Lane masterplan area.

Taylor Wimpey also has planning permission for a further 65 homes west of Hollin Lane and 117 off Langley Lane, while Wain Homes has the go-ahead to build 90 homes west of Hollin Lane.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter