Whitworth residents upset as controversial planning application for former Spring Mill granted

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The site of the former Spring Mill with Wallbank to the top-right

Residents of Whitworth are upset following the granting of a controversial planning application for over 100 homes by Rossendale Borough Council.

The proposal by Gleeson Homes for 119 new homes on the former Spring Mill Site, near Wallbank, was approved by Rossendale Council’s Development Control Committee in March, granted in line with the officer’s recommendation, subject to a section 106 agreement and conditions.

Outline planning permission for the site was previously granted for 45 homes, with the recent application outlining a mixture of 119 detached and semi-detached homes with two, three and four bedrooms.

Over 190 objections have been received by upset and angry residents in relation to the 3.5-hectare development near Spring Mill Reservoir, Eastgate and Westgate.

Main objection points raised by the majority of residents include:

• traffic congestion from access via Wallbank Drive and Hall Street as the main route out of the estate
• safety of people due to the increase in traffic
• a lack of school places
• higher demand on the health centre
• concerns for wildlife
• crossing a public bridleway
• a lack of consultation before submission
• the site being unsuitable for development
• flood risk and drainage issues
• impacts on the environment

The application says no affordable housing or secondary education contributions are proposed, and no financial contribution will be made towards open space and play equipment provision.

However, a financial contribution of £283,559.58 will be made to provide 18 primary school places, and a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) will be incorporated on site as part of the development.

Under Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the development must begin no later than three years after planning permission is granted.