Two controversial developments set to be decided next week

Local residents are up in arms over two controversial development plans set to be heard by the council this week.

The plans revolve around an old kitchen showroom that could be converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) and a small housing development.

Although both applications set to go before Rochdale Council’s planning committee next week are fairly small in scale, they have attracted dozens of objections from furious locals. In the case of the HMO two ward councillors have shared their concern over a lack of parking on the development in an area, according to objectors, that already has a huge parking issue. 

There is a fear that this seven bedroom HMO without any parking provision would only exacerbate the problem at the site off Rochdale Road in Middleton.

Over on Rudman Street in Shawclough, where a two-home development is proposed, locals believe a problem of Japanese knotweed could rear its ugly head. The invasive plant species can break through concrete, cavity walls and weak mortar, underground it can also cause damage to infrastructure such as sewers and drains. 

Residents nearby also worry that the new design is not in keeping with the street scene and could lead to a lack of privacy for neighbours.

Here is each planning item on the agenda at the committee meeting on 3 September:

HMO plan causes controversy in Middleton

The old kitchen showroom that is currently vacant off Rochdale Road may soon make way for a HMO, if plans are approved.

The seven-bedroom plan would see three bedrooms situated downstairs alongside a living room and a kitchen/dining room. The other four bedrooms are planned for the first floor.

All bedrooms would be fitted with an en-suite bathroom. No parking provision is planned for the site but cycle storage is mentioned in the planning papers.

The application originally proposed an eight-bedroom but concerns were raised by the council in regards to the lack of any communal living space and advice provided in respect of improving the internal layout. As such, amended plans have been received which removed one bedroom on the ground floor replacing it with a communal living space.

This amendment is still not good enough for the 64 people against the plan. Councillors Peter Allonby and Kathryn Bromfield have both put forward their concerns to the council regarding the high number of HMOs already in the area. 

Locals who have opposed the plans fear another HMO could bring more crime, antisocial behaviour, and noise in a residential area which contains a nursery nearby. The problem of parking in the area is a big concern for objectors as well. 

As the proposal will be for young professional and key workers who ‘would likely own a vehicle’ according to objectors, they fear they could bring more cars to an already overrun area for vehicles. 

Despite the concerns from locals, the proposal put forward by Horizon UK Property Group Ltd has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

In their reasoning behind the recommendation, the officers report read: “The proposed change of use of the commercial unit to a 7 bedroom /7 person HMO would be acceptable in principle and would provide a suitable standard of residential amenity for future occupiers of the development and would not harm the amenity of surrounding occupiers. 

“There are no highway or pedestrian safety concerns and as such, the proposal complies with the development plan.”

 

 

Japanese knotweed fears amid small housing development plan

Two detached three-bedroom homes planned for the greenfield land in Rochdale have stirred up fears over an invasive plant species locally. 

The site, off the end of Rudman Street, would see the two-storey homes with private gardens, three bedrooms, drive and garages built, if the planning committee gives the green light on Tuesday. However, Councillor Tricia Ayrton has called in the application as it ‘directly affects the local community and close residents’.

There have been 38 objection letters submitted to the council regarding this application. 

Loss of privacy, impact on pedestrian safety and parking, increased noise, not in keeping with the street scene, harm to trees and overdevelopment have all been cited as issues.

One big concern for residents is the presence of Japanese knotweed on the site – which can cause problems if it spreads.

Although an area of Japanese knotweed measuring 5m x 5m is located in the north east corner of the site, a condition has been attached, if the plan is approved, to ensure appropriate action takes place regarding the plant.

Although the planning officers at the council have considered the objections raised, they have decided to recommend approval for the proposal tabled by Guardian Construction.

In their reasoning behind the recommendation, the officers report read: “The proposed development of two dwellings would be acceptable in principle given the significant weight afforded to delivery of housing on small sites within the urban area.

“The development would be constrained in places by its site constraints resulting in negative outlooks from some internal and garden spaces as well as resulting in some limited harm to surrounding neighbours and users of the footpath. 

“These harms have been mitigated where possible but cannot fully address all site constraints.

“Whilst a balanced assessment exercise has been undertaken it is considered that the proposals would comprise sustainable development in accordance with the development plan and as such should be approved.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter