Nursing home development gets the go ahead

Concerned: Jean Welsby, Beryl Hudson and Rod Broome with Councillor William Hobhouse

A former nursing home is to be transformed into a house for multi-occupancy, despite objections from local people.

Rochdale Township sub-committee voted to approve the project at Laurel Grove, Roch Valley Way, on Tuesday.

The building was first intended to be a hostel for 27 asylum seeker women, but the proposal was thrown out in January after strong objections from the local community.

The previous planning applicants, Valley Estates, claimed the refusal was an act of discrimination, and has since stepped out of any potential deal. New buyers have stepped in and are suggesting the building is made into residential properties for 25 occupants.

Valley Estates Manager Farhan Zahoor said: “Our application was refused because the local community didn’t want asylum seeker women living there; it was clear discrimination in my eyes.

“I was disappointed beyond words, not least because the house would have generated new jobs for the town. We needed caretakers, cleaners, caterers and Corgi-registered engineers, but in the end it was refused”.

Councillor William Hobhouse said: “Laurel Grove needs to be developed in a way that the local community supports.

“I think we all understand that this building was built for multiple occupation, but as an old people’s home rather than a hostel.”

Beryl Hudson, who lives nearby said: “We still have concerns that there is far too little communal space, no facility for a manager and concerns over service access and bins at the back. There needs to be good new landscaping around the property and a management plan”.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with the decision? Are you affected by it? Contact the news desk

• news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
• 07538579786