Councillors reject plans for over 450 homes in Middleton

Residents at the Planning and Licensing Committee meeting

Residents welcomed a decision to reject planning consent for up to 450 homes across green space in Middleton with a round of applause and cheers on Monday (21 September).

Councillors on the Planning and Licensing Committee rejected applications for homes on Hollin Lane and Langley Lane, Middleton.

The Middleton Township Planning Sub Committee had previously unanimously rejected the plans.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/97818/plans-for-over-300-homes-in-middleton-rejected-by-councillors

Residents, who have campaigned long and hard to see the plans refused, turned out in force at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting and representing the objectors, Bren Tierney said: “We don’t want this council left with the legacy that a decision made in this room took away the last open space in Middleton. We urge you to keep it as it is and keep this space as open, green space.”

Concerns were raised that if the developments were to go ahead, there would be no unbroken development from Manchester City Centre to Bamford, with no clear boundary between Heywood and Middleton.

Many people also raised concerns in relation to the traffic on Hollin Lane and the effect the developments would have on the local infrastructure.

Councillor Neil Emmott, who supported residents with their campaign, said: “I call on councillors to reject these proposals. As it stands, Hollin Lane is under the Greater Manchester plan and is a prominent route, so who knows what effect that will have if some or all of it is closed due to the development work. Not to mention the added pressure that this will bring to the local schools, which are already oversubscribed. I do believe that councillors are being put under pressure by the developers so I say please let this green space remain and do not let this development go ahead.”

Despite cases made by both Taylor Wimpey and Wain Homes that these developments would help the area and help with the borough's housing shortage, councillors rejected the applications.

Following a round of applause and cheers from residents, councillors were informed that the reasons for rejecting the application may be deemed “unsustainable” and that this may see the applicants succeed via a “cost claim”.

The applicants have a right to appeal.