Littleborough plans open to residents’ feedback

A new public consultation has been launched on the council's draft Littleborough masterplan and supplementary planning document.

Residents and businesses are invited to give feedback either online, by email or by post. The survey asks for thoughts on development opportunities, refurbishment of railway arches and linking public space with the canal, among other things.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have set out several key aims to improve the area, to make connectivity better and to support people with options for living and working.

“We now hope that residents will play a part in how we progress these plans by giving the council their valued opinion so we can move forward to the satisfaction of everyone.”

The proposals have undergone a thorough review following earlier responses and will be newly presented in a series of local consultation events.

Pop-ups will be sited at Littleborough History Centre on platform two at the train station, in Station Road on Friday 18 November, from 10am to 4pm and Tuesday 22 November, 12pm to 7pm. A further pop-up will take place in Littleborough town centre in Church Street on Saturday 26 November, 3pm to 6pm.

There will also be a nature walk with Alison Cooper, a local artist based at Ebor Studios, from 10am to 12pm, and an urban roam from 12pm to 2pm, both starting at the centre on 26 November. The walks are designed to make the consultation accessible to different groups and people, and to serve as an alternative space for conversation on the consultation.

The masterplan also suggests creating an improved railway station gateway that supports the arrival and departure experience of visitors and residents. Any development to the area will support the unique identity the centre has.

Public space will be improved with new trees planted while at the same time journeys by bike will be better catered for.

The council has already secured money to assist the preparation of the masterplan and once a final version is in place this will be used to support further bids for regeneration funding.

The consultation is running until 7 December.

To access the consultation online: https://consultations.rochdale.gov.uk/research/littleborough-masterplan-consultation/

To give your comments by post: Strategic Planning, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU.

To give your comments by email: LDF.consultation@rochdale.gov.uk