Residents meet to stop New Street housing development

The proposed development of 110 homes on protected open land on New Street

Around 100 people, including Littleborough councillors and Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, attended a public meeting at Littleborough Coach House.

The meeting was organised by the Stop Russell Homes campaign who are opposed to plans to build 110 homes on protected open land off New Road, Dearnley.

Gary Lynch and Daniel Kershaw from Russell Homes attended the meeting in order to answer residents' queries.

Russell Homes held a public consultation event on 16 July to inform the public of their plans and invite comments. Following feedback, Russell Homes say they have amended their plans by removing four properties and added plans to upgrade New Street and provide a car park for the bowling club.

However, Councillor Ashley Dearnley was concerned that attendees of the consultation were told that the planning application would be submitted in the weeks following the event when, in fact, the application had already been made.

Residents concerned include increased traffic on the A58, loss of the protected open space, impact on wildlife and the risk of flooding.

Councillor Dearnley said: "There are lots of planning reasons why this application should be refused."

Simon Danczuk MP said: "I have real concerns about the development and I will object to it."

Tony Perkins from the Stop Russell Homes campaign said: "Attendance at this evening’s meeting demonstrates the strength of opposition to the proposed development.

"Local residents are concerned about the loss of amenity that they derive from proposed development site, which is designated as Protected Open Land by Rochdale Council, and lies within the River Roch green corridor. The proposed development would result in the destruction of this valuable green open space which is so clearly treasured by the local community.

"Our strongly held view, that incidentally mirrors council planning policy, is that brownfield sites should be utilised as a priority over greenfield sites and before the release of Protected Open Land for development.

"Furthermore the overall cumulative impact of housing development in Littleborough on traffic congestion, pressure on school places, access to doctors has led many residents to challenge the sustainability of the proposed development. Indeed Littleborough residents, who may believe they are not directly affected by this proposed development, but nevertheless have expressed concerns about the scale housing development in the town, and its impact on local infrastructure, need to make their voices heard."

If you'd like to support the campaign, please email advice on making your objection heard:

stoprussellhomes@btinternet.com