Public concern raised about housing development on former Akzo Nobel site in Littleborough

The former Akzo Nobel site

A public meeting regarding the proposed housing development on the former Akzo Nobel site saw a number of concerns raised by members of the public.

At the meeting, residents were given the opportunity to ask questions about the development and raise any concerns they may have. These included concerns about contaminated land, traffic issues and school places.

Peter Thornton raised his concerns regarding traffic to council officers present at the meeting. He stated: “Five years ago it was recorded that over 70,000 cars were using Hollingworth road per month and the roads are in insufficient condition to currently hold such traffic.”

Joyce Crey said: “I don’t think anyone has given any thought to traffic congestion, especially with the issue of level crossings being closed at least once a year. Has anybody seriously thought about it?”

Former councillor Irene Davidson further pushed the point about traffic and asked if the Township Committee had conducted a traffic survey, which they had previously agreed to do. She added: “If the traffic survey was never done then it is upsetting to find that out because officers were trusted at taking that away and doing that.”

Barry Cropper gave detailed answers to the questions that had been asked and then delivered an eloquent argument against the development of the site - which received generous applause.

The meeting was chaired by Pennines Township Committee chairman, Councillor Aftab Hussein. Council officers - Deputy Monitoring Officer Linda Fisher and Chief Planning Officer, Mark Robinson - joined him to answer questions.

Local councillors were also in attendance including Councillor Allen Brett, who previously stated he would not attend a public meeting.

Comments and concerns will now be presented to the Township and Rochdale Council will write to those who have formally written with representations on the planning application.

The planning application for the site seeks permission to build 174 residential homes.