Campaigners continue fight to save beloved green space

A campaign group fighting to keep a beloved green space on its estate is pushing to make it a protected asset.

Last year developers Big Help Langley Development CIC (Community Interest Company) tabled a plan to build 30 new homes in the middle of a recreational space on the Langley estate in Middleton.

Neighbours surrounding what they call ‘the Ponderosa’ were outraged, claiming the plan would take away their last bit of green space.

The proposals, if approved, would have seen eight homes and three apartment blocks of 22 flats built.

Residents were relieved earlier this year when the plan was formally withdrawn by the developers in March.
 

Read more: Controversial plans to build homes on beloved green space mysteriously withdrawnPublished: 25 March 2024

Campaigners, The Friends of Borrowdale Park, were left furious when developers referred to the land off Borrowdale Road as ‘a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, drinking and drug taking’.
 

Read more: 'This is our land’: The fight to keep the 'last green space' on the Langley estatePublished: 25 August 2023

They say the parcel of land is actually a nature spot used by dog walkers, children playing as well as big charity events that have raised thousands for good causes.

Now the group has applied to register the field as an asset of community value, which would protect it for five years from development. If successful, the group would have the right to bid for the land in the event of it being put up for sale, according to Rochdale Borough Council’s website.

 

 

A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “We would like to see the draft development plan that exists on a small part of the land adjacent to Borrowdale Road for 8-12 properties rescinded so as to enable us to reapply for either a village green or local green space designation.

“There are also our concerns that there is little in the way of open recreational space remaining on Langley, due to this there has been an influx of new wildlife to the Ponderosa over the last two or three years.

“The population of this estate in 2011 was just under 7,500 and it currently stands at well over 13,000.

“No more infrastructure has been provided  and we see the burgeoning local population having fewer safe green areas to indulge in leisure activities.”

The council has confirmed that an application has been received, but no decision has been made on the matter.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter