Planning application could see demolition of dilapidated bungalow overlooking Hollingworth Lake

Planning permission is being sought to demolish a dilapidated bungalow overlooking Hollingworth Lake and replace it with two detached houses.

Construction work began on 15 Lake Side in 1998, but it has stood unfinished for years whilst being the subject of lengthy legal disputes.

The bungalow has been deemed to be ‘a blight on this attractive area of the borough’ by the council, which authorised a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the house in 2018.
 

Read more: Council could snap up unfinished property ‘spoiling’ beauty spotPublished: 12 December 2018

As previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 15 Lake Side had been intended to be the dream retirement home for Dr Stephen Watkins and his wife Elizabeth. They had their hearts set on a new-build bungalow on the shores of Hollingworth Lake – complete with its own library for the hundreds of books Dr Watkins had collected over the years.

 

 

The last two decades have been eaten up with disputes – first with the firm that built the property, and then a protracted battle with the National House Building Council (NHBC) with whom they had taken out a ‘Buildmark’ warranty and insurance policy.

Eventually the matter was taken to the financial ombudsman, which took a year to reach a decision as matters were so complex. After receiving a “very satisfactory” settlement – enough to finish the property – the Watkins found out the council had issued a CPO against their home.
 

Read more: Hollingworth Lake bungalow nightmarePublished: 13 March 2019

Now a planning application has been submitted to demolish the bungalow, and build two detached houses on its site. Under the plans, the homes would have four to five bedrooms and off-road parking for three or four cars.

The design and access statement reads: “They are large, detached houses, on good sized plots, which reflects the existing character of Lake Side. They would benefit from adequate parking and amenity and, as such, would not represent overdevelopment of the site. The proposals would also provide an additional, new dwelling in this attractive location.

“The proposals would remove an existing building, which the local authority deem to be a blight on this attractive area of the borough. Two modern, energy efficient, family dwellings will provide much needed new housing to the area. The new, detached dwellings will have sufficient off-road parking and amenity space, and they will fit well with the existing character of Lake Side. The site benefits from good public transport links and local facilities.

“This represents a sustainable development, in accordance with the NPPF. The development complies with the policies contained in Rochdale Council’s adopted Core Strategy and the Guidelines & Standards for Residential Development SPD.”

Additional reporting: Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service