Residents concerned Rochdale Council has been ‘hoodwinked’ in approving hotel planning application

The Castleton Hotel, on Manchester Road

The Castleton Hotel, on Manchester Road, which was at the centre of a controversial care centre planning application last year, will now be converted for residential use, despite claims by nearby residents that Rochdale Council has been "hoodwinked" into approving the plans.

An application was put into Rochdale Council last year to turn the hotel into a care home for vulnerable young adults, but the application was withdrawn in September 2104 after the council received over 200 complaints.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87803/residents-unhappy-about-proposed-residential-care-facility-for-castleton-hotel

Now, an application to change the use of the building from a hotel to a residential dwelling has been approved by planning officers.

Residents in the area have raised further concerns that the plans for a care home could still go ahead.

David Lawson, who lives on Manchester Road, said: “My objection is based on the fact that the owner of the property is using this type of application to hoodwink the council, as having failed in her last application to convert the property for young people’s accommodation she will, once approved, sell the property onto a company who deals in childcare. This being the case the area will be subjected to the creation of noise, disturbance and nuisance to the detriment of the community.

“Make no mistake, the person applying for change of use has no plans for a long term future in the property or for the good of local residents. All she wants is to take the money and run.”

Another objector, Mr Chesham, said: “We strongly object to this proposal. Last year an application was withdrawn by the applicant who wanted to open it as a care home for teenagers. We do feel the owner is trying to hoodwink people into thinking she would be residing at the property, when in fact it is on Adamson's Estate Agents books, back up for sale again.

“We agree that this property is so large that it could only be used for multiple occupancy of any kind, including housing teenagers.”

Property owner Michelle Beer has addressed the objections in a series of letters that are accessible via the council’s website.

In her correspondence, she said: “The reason why we have put the application for change of use back to private dwelling is whilst we are still up for sale, we are living in the premises and it will become the family home should we have to close the business and until we sell/lease the building.

“The last thing that Castleton needs is another closed business not looked after, going derelict. We have worked too hard for 15 years to let this happen to our building.

“All five objectors have taken it upon themselves to misinterpret the actual change of use application.

"I think 15 years of owning a business and working for the previous owner for nine years states something about my character, dedication and commitment, but should someone wish to lease or buy our business in the future which requires change of use again, the correct procedures will be followed via the council.”