Mixed development planned for Trub Farm

Proposed plans for the redevelopment of Trub Farm in Castleton show a mixed development of housing and retail space.

The proposed outline plans were on display in St. Martin’s Church in Castleton today (Thursday 29 July 2010) for public consultation.

The outline shows plans for 149 residential properties including 12 apartments and the remainder being two, three or four bedroom houses with gardens for families.

10,000sqft of the site has also been set aside for retail development.

The site forms the central part of the Trub Farm Area of Opportunity and has been vacant for some time.

Alan Chorlton of Chorlton Planning Ltd was happy with the response from the public, he said: “So far we have had over 100 people here which is a good response; concerns have been raised about the traffic and about the need for a community facility on the site to keep people in Castleton.

“We have been given a lot to discuss and a lot to think about. The site has to be good for the community but it also has to be financially viable.

“At this stage we don’t know how much this development will cost.”

Billy Sheerin the Chairman of the Castleton EC Residents Association described the development as “a piece of gold” adding that “this development has got to be right.”

Mr Sheerin said: “Castleton is the jewel in the crown of Rochdale. We are desperate for new housing and new people as part of our regeneration.

“One concern is that there is only one access road to the site – this is something that needs to be looked at.”

Mr Sheerin concluded: “I am pleased that something is happening, what the developers have to be careful of is to not maximise the development too much and end up with houses on top of one another. We want quality affordable housing that can help Castleton.

“Of course this is at the early stage but the concept is going in the right direction, although they have alot to iron out.”

Castleton Councillor Ted Flynn said: “Castleton is moving forward all guns blazing, this can only be a good thing.”