Huge housing development planned for land off Broad Lane, Rochdale

Photo: Rochdale Council planning documents

Silver Hill Farm site in Rochdale

A historic farm house could be transformed as part of a huge new housing development, if plans are approved. The Grade II listed building, Silver Hill Farmhouse, could be partly demolished and refurbished as part of a 57-home development.

As part of the plans, the listed buildings on Lower Lane would be transformed into large four-bedroom and five-bedroom homes – with the rest of the site being levelled to make way for the other 53 homes. 

The works would see outbuildings on the 2.28 acre plot demolished and the old farmhouse restored back to being a five-bedroom property. Additionally, the barn would be converted into a four bedroom home and two other four bedroom homes would be built on the farm site.

The other 53 homes would be erected on the vacant field adjacent to Silver Hill Farmhouse, which is bordered by Broad Lane and which comprises Plot W of Kingsway Business Park.

The new homes would be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom detached, semi-detached and terraced homes all with two parking spaces.

The restoration works to the farmhouse and the other buildings primed for conversions incorporate both internal and external changes. The demolition work relates to a cluster of outbuildings to the northeast of the farmhouse which are later, more modern, additions.

A new vehicular access would be created off Broad Lane with two pedestrian crossings planned.

A total of 31 objections have been raised in relation to this application in relation to the access from Broad Lane, which locals feel would not be able to deal with the additional traffic burden. Lack of visibility; ecological damage; traffic congestion; flooding concerns; and loss of privacy due to overlooking were also mentioned in the objection letters.

This proposal, put forward by David Wilson Homes North West and Rexel Property Group has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

If approved at the planning committee meeting on 23 May, it would come with contributions in the way of a section 106 agreement for a £94,657.25 sport contribution towards Balderstone Park rugby football project and £36,300.00 towards provision of an off-site habitat creation at Stanney Brook Corridor or within Kingsway Business Park.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter