New homes available at Nelson Place development

New homes at Nelson Place.

New homes are now available in Rochdale as part of the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.

At Artisan’s Nelson Place development in Wardleworth 16 of the houses are now complete, with new residents moving in, while the finishing touches are being put to nine more nearby.

The family homes are providing a mix of three and four bedroom homes for rent and purchase. The homes for rent are being made available through West Pennine Housing Association, part of the Regenda Group.

More Pathfinder news

The Pathfinder Board recently confirmed the minimum standards for development that the Pathfinder will wish to include in future development briefs. Three particular items of guidance were considered; the Code for Sustainable Homes, Lifetime Homes and Building for Life; each of which is a measurable national standard.

A spokesperson for the Pathfinder said: "Future HMR development briefs should reach at least Level 3 of CSH, the Lifetime Homes standard and the equivalent of Building for Life’s silver standard.

"The decision reinforces our existing commitment that quality of design should not be compromised. We will continue to review the standards regularly."

January saw the latest joint meeting of the Pathfinder Board with ORESA, the Oldham Rochdale Economic and Skills Alliance. The meeting focussed on discussing the joint Oldham and Rochdale Prospectus, Investing in Jobs, Homes and Communities.

Workshop sessions were held to discuss the individual sections of the prospectus. These examined the assets of, and challenges faced by both boroughs, which will lead to an overall integrated strategy.

The vision that the prospectus is aiming for says that by 2020 Oldham and Rochdale will be thriving, playing a new and dynamic role in the economic growth of a world-class Manchester city region.

Integrated plans for employment, homes and communities were examined, at a strategic level across both boroughs, within both of the boroughs, and at area and neighbourhood levels.

The Pathfinder has received more good news from the Audit Commission, who undertook a value for money review of the programme.

Following on from our Performance Review in October, where the Pathfinder was judged to be ‘Performing Strongly’, the same grade has been given for their handling of resources.

The Audit Commission’s report highlighted several strengths, including an established market intelligence programme, effective risk management and financial controls, robust appraisal processes, and an integrated financial plan incorporating English Partnerships and Housing Corporation finances.

The report looked at how well the Pathfinder programme is governed, together with how well finances and resources are managed.

On Saturday 24 January Rochdale Mayor Councillor Robin Parker attended the ‘Your Langley’ event along with more than 400 people at Bowlee Park Sports Centre, Langley.
The event, organised by the HMR Neighbourhood Team, celebrated and promoted the many activities and projects that have worked to improve Langley over the past few years.

The day gave people the opportunity to get information from a wide range of agencies including free health checks, advice and taster sessions on courses available at Hopwood Hall College, along with information on how to get involved in local activities.