Go-ahead given for RBH’s 100% affordable rented scheme in Kirkholt

CGI representation of the new homes at The Strand

Plans for new social housing to be built by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) at the Strand in Kirkholt have been granted permission by Rochdale Council.

The plans for 32 new homes include 10 two-bedroom houses, 18 houses with three bedrooms, and four houses with four bedrooms. RBH say all 32 homes will be for genuinely affordable rent. They have been designed by Triangle Architects, who also designed the Strand Hub and the new Kirkholt health centre. The homes will be built by Lovell Partnerships with the support of funding from Homes England.

The homes are the latest phase of regeneration in the Strand area and two of the four-bedroom homes are being designed to accommodate a range of adaptations, creating homes that will be suitable for families with a disabled child or parent.

Clare Tostevin, RBH Director of Growth, said: "Working with the local community and with our partners at Rochdale Council and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, we’re proud to have seen the transformation of the Strand over the past few years, and these new homes will provide brand new and genuinely affordable homes on the remaining vacant land. We were delighted with the feedback we received at our community consultation, especially about the homes which can be adapted if needed where a family member has additional accessibility needs."

Councillor Neil Emmott, cabinet member for Quality of Place at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see high quality brand new affordable homes coming forward on the Strand, which has improved massively in recent years. The fact that some of these homes, which were created in collaboration with the local community, will also support residents with extra needs is really welcome news.”