Controversial new vision for Langley

Previous exhibition on Langley

Residents of the Langley estate in Middleton are considering the new proposals for housing and further regeneration, which could see the estate transformed over the next 15 years.

Subject to local people’s views, the proposals could see around 190 homes replaced with more than 500 new, high quality modern homes for sale or rent. The central core of the estate will be completely renovated with new homes, shopping, leisure and health facilities.

The proposals have been put together by Rochdale Council, Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Bowlee Park Housing and the Riverside Group.

A pedestrian and cyclist’s link from Langley Lane through to the central core and to the western side of the estate could be provided however, around 190 existing homes could be demolished.

Neighbourhood Programme Manager, Steve Bloomer said: “Tenants and residents affected by any demolition would be entitled to a range of compensation and support to help them move home. We have written to everyone whose home is affected by clearance proposals, and invited them to discuss the proposals, their options and any concerns they have.”

Residents can be reassured that if they have not received a letter explaining the proposals in more detail then their home is not in any proposed demolition area.”

Not everyone agrees with Mr Bloomer's confident predictions that all will be rosy, Middleton Councillor and Langley resident Robin Parker says, "I’ve seen some pea brained schemes in my time but this takes the biscuit".

In his Rochdale Online Councillor Diary, Councillor Parker explains: "I have no problem with a sensible Green Space Strategy and there is plenty of potential to create that without the radical destruction proposed here. The real problem is the fixated obsession by Housing Market Renewal officers of a green linear corridor. This means you must have green access all the way through. No where must the residents’ feet land on concrete. Even where roads are crossed these are pedestrianised. There is one little flaw in the obsession, though; I have yet to meet one person who wishes to walk/cycle from Hollin Lane/Langley Lane junction to Lakeland Court and beyond."

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/councillor_diary.asp?ID=456&cID=118

For the proposals to become a reality will depend on securing funding through the HMR programme, the proposals being agreed as feasible and the agreement of local people.

So that everyone can find out all they need to know about the vision for Langley, four public events have been arranged - the events will be held on:

• Tuesday 9 October – 3pm to 7pm – Burnside Community Centre, Burnside Crescent (Area 1)
• Wednesday 10 October – 3pm to 7pm – Millbeck Social Club, Millbeck Road (Area 2)
• Thursday 11 October – 3pm – 7pm – Marquee on Bonscale Park, Bonscale Crescent. (Area 3)
• Tuesday 16 October – 3pm – 7pm – Demesne Community Centre, Asby Close (Area 4)

For anyone unable to attend their event, the HMR team will also be holding an open day for the whole estate where all the detailed drawings will be on display and staff will be available to explain them. This event will take place on Saturday 20 October at Furrow Community School, between 11am and 3pm.

Mr Bloomer added, “Staff will be available at these events to answer questions and to respond to concerns. Visitors will also have the opportunity to put forward their views and complete a questionnaire, which will be entered into a free prize draw. We will take all comments into consideration before any final decisions are made about any plans for Langley.”