Land in Shawclough will make way for two controversial development despite local fury

Date published: 04 September 2024


A small patch of land nestled behind a cul-de-sac in Rochdale will be transformed into two new homes – despite neighbours’ complaints.

The plan for the new three-bedroom, two-storey, homes with private gardens, three bedrooms, drive and garages was given the green light by Rochdale Council's planning committee on 3 September. The Rudman Street site sits just off a small access point and is adjacent to a public footpath used by dog walkers, runners and nature lovers.

Kevin Malone, representing the objectors at the planning committee meeting in Number One Riverside, described the space as “a vital oasis where people can breathe and relax in nature”.

The resident lives a few hundred metres from the plot and explained to the committee how badgers, deer and foxes venture through the green space – and building there would have a detrimental effect on the wildlife. He went on to outline the practical obstacles when building work would commence due to the high gradient and the 3.5m access point that is only just wide enough to squeeze smaller construction vehicles through.

This concern was shared by the committee, with Councillor Billy Sheerin describing the project as a challenge, but admitted the ‘bottom line is we need new houses’. Christopher Grieves, appearing at the meeting representing the applicant, Guardian Construction, explained that they had already conducted works and managed to get construction vehicles on site through the small access point.

 

Site off Rudman Street, Rochdale, where a plan for two homes has caused controversy
The site off Rudman Street, Rochdale, where a plan for two homes has caused controversy

 

Mr Grieves admitted the project was ‘adventurous’, as Councillor Sheerin described, but one he believes his construction company is capable of. He even vowed to foot the bill if any of the nearby homes were damaged during construction.

He told the committee: “I can assure any party wall notice would be done, if there was any damage which I doubt would happen, I guarantee I would repair that.

“I’m not trying to say there won’t be disruption, but no more than when these other lovely houses on the street were built.”

Councillor Shah Wazir spoke on the item, outlining the 38 objection letters concerning the loss of privacy, impact on pedestrian safety and parking, harm to trees and overdevelopment as well as concerns over Japanese knotweed on the plot. Councillor Wazir urged the committee to conduct a site visit to see for themselves the problems at hand.

Despite the calls for refusal from objectors in the room, the committee decided to approve the application with conditions over construction hours and eradicating the Japanese knotweed.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

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