Developer seeks local views on the future of Akzo Nobel site

The new owners of the former Akzo Nobel chemicals site in Littleborough, Woodford Land, is set to hold a three-day consultation event, 12 to 14 June. The public exhibition and consultation will gather the views of local people on the proposed multi-million pound development. 

Part of Woodford Group PLC, the UK’s largest brownfield land acquisition, remediation and development company, Woodford Land bought the Hollingworth Road site in December 2006 and plan to build up to 165 high-quality, stylish homes along with commercial and leisure facilities.

Akzo Nobel ceased operations at the site in September 2004 and the land has remained vacant ever since. Jason Parkinson, Managing Director of Woodford Land said: "This is a large site on the canal side with good views of the surrounding countryside. Though it’s a real eyesore at the moment with a large number of derelict buildings and some contamination, the site has huge potential and it is vital that the whole community benefits from its regeneration. Woodford Group PLC specialise in the sympathetic regeneration of difficult sites with the emphasis on retaining and enhancing ecological habitats. At this site we’re determined to ensure the best possible use of the waterside area, offering a mix of desirable three and four bedroom homes including a proportion of affordable housing.”

The plans also include landscaped public spaces. “The development needs to be accessible to all,” said Mr Parkinson. “We want to provide new facilities for outdoor recreational activities to attract visitors and increase tourism in the area. In addition we are keen to create employment opportunities for the residents of Littleborough both through the proposed leisure facilities and through the commercial element of the scheme. But before we submit our plans we need to hear the views of local people and I would encourage everyone to come along, ask questions, see the plans and have their say at the Public Consultation meeting.”

The consultation runs from Tuesday 12 June until Thursday 14 June (1pm to 4pm on Tuesday and 2pm to 8pm both Wednesday and Thursday) and will be held at Littleborough United Reform Church on Victoria Street, Littleborough.