Council to 'dispose' of surplus sites

A number of sites across the borough will be ‘disposed of’ by Rochdale Borough Council.

The decision was rubber stamped at a Cabinet meeting tonight (Monday 12 July 2010) as the council now has a backlog of surplus sites and premises.

The following sites have been released by the council.

• High Birch Special School
• Land at Harrow Street, Dean
• Land at Holstein Avenue, Shawclough
• Land at Industry Road, Cronkeyshaw
• Land at Dewhirst Road, Syke
• Land adjacent to 211 Spotland Road, Spotland Bridge
• Land adjacent to 75 Worsley Street, Newbold
• Land adjacent to 22 Rooley Moor Road, Spotland Bridge
• Land at 32-34 Back Drake Street, Broadfield
• 21-23 Holmes Street, Spotland
• Durnford Street Adult Education Centre, Durnford Street, Middleton
• Land at 336 Oldham Road, Middleton

The reasons for the disposal were outlined in the report, which read: “The sites and premises have been released by Service Departments as being surplus to requirements. Continued ownership of these assets places strains on budget holders until the liabilities are removed by disposal.”

The report states: “The Council is encouraged by Government to release surplus assets, and to continually review its need to hold land and property assets. Disposal of surplus assets assists the Council in its provision of services by producing capital receipts and reduces borrowings and grant reliance. The disposal of surplus assets reduces the Councils liabilities and the release of development opportunities encourages economic activity in the Borough.