Spotland Bridge Conservation Area boundary to be revised

A report recommending the Spotland Bridge Conservation Area boundary be revised was presented to Rochdale Township Committee as the Conservation and Design Team (Planning) had been requested to review the Conservation Area following a meeting of the Spotland and Falinge Area Forum in November 2012, where it had been raised in connection with the Dexine Site. The Council’s involvement with the Dexine Site had been outlined at the meeting of Rochdale Township Committee held in March 2013. 

The Council is required as the local planning authority to consider the designation of conservation areas based upon their “special architectural or historic interest” and whether the character of that area is “desirable to preserve or enhance”.

Conservation Area designation does not prevent development or demolition from taking place but does require that an application be submitted to the Council so the public benefit of the new development can be balanced against any public dis-benefit arising from the heritage loss.