Developer reveals plans for ‘high quality family homes’ at greenfield ‘infill’ site

A developer has revealed plans to build 18 detached houses at a greenfield ‘infill’ site in Balderstone, Rochdale.

Lancet Homes has submitted proposals for a mix of four and five-bedroom properties on land off Crompton Avenue.

The three-acre grassland plot – close to Broad Lane Community Woodland – is surrounded by housing on three sides, while to the south is Rochdalians AFC's football pitch.

A public footpath running through part of the council-owned site would be diverted to allow for the new housing.

Planning papers say the scheme provides an opportunity to ‘naturally infill’ the existing residential area with a development of similar appearance and character.

 

 

Documents also claim it would bring ‘a number of significant positive benefits’ to the area.

A planning statement reads: “The proposed development will deliver positive economic, social and environmental impacts for the local area. Primarily, these impacts relate to the delivery of new high quality family homes by efficient use of a site set within an existing built-up area.

“The site has good connections to existing local amenities, as well as networks of local public green space, pedestrian and cycle routes and public transport services. “

It adds that the potential impacts of the development have been ‘properly assessed’ by the developer, claiming ‘that there will be no significant harmful impacts on the local area, and rather a number of significant positive benefits’.

Two parking spaces are provided on the driveway of each house, with an additional space provided in their garages.

Open space is provided as part of this application in the form of a ‘high quality landscaping area’ including areas for residents’ use, wildflower meadow grass and wetland meadow grass.

 

 

A mown path will be provided through this area, while ornamental and native mixed hedges will mark the boundaries of properties ‘providing an attractive frontage along the main spine road running through the site’.

The plans are also said to be in line with council policy, which ‘dictates that in the south of the borough, the focus will be on maximising the opportunity to provide new housing in sustainable locations close to economic growth corridors / town centres’.

“The proposed development will deliver new homes and make best use of a site to infill the neighbouring residential development through high-quality design,” papers add.

“The site is owned by Rochdale Council, and available and deliverable now for residential development and has the ability to deliver a high-quality housing scheme which can offer a range of four and five bed house styles and types to help address identified needs.”

Rochdale Council will decide whether to grant planning permission for the scheme.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service