Massive Castleton Housing Estate Plans: Serious Green Space Concerns Ignored
Rochdale, UK – A major new housing development in Castleton, Rochdale, which will see more than 400 homes built, has received its final sign-off after legal agreements between the developers and Rochdale Council were officially concluded.
The scheme, proposed by developers GLP Trows LLP and BDW Trading Ltd, had previously been granted planning permission by Rochdale Council on February 27th following extensive deliberations. However, the legal agreements, often referred to as Section 106 agreements, which typically cover developer contributions and conditions, represented the last hurdle for the project to proceed.
The ambitious development, located off Cowm Top Lane, south of the Cowm Top Business Park and close to the M62 motorway, is set to feature a mix of terraced, detached, and semi-detached properties. These could range in size from two-bedroom houses up to larger four and five-bedroom 'executive' homes. In addition to the residences, the plans include provision for a linear park, areas of open green space, and playgrounds.
However, the proposal has been met with significant local opposition since its inception. A primary concern among residents has been the potential impact of hundreds of additional vehicles on already congested local roads.
Initial delays on a decision were also caused by health and safety concerns regarding access points to the planned estate, although the planning committee ultimately resolved these issues sufficiently to grant permission earlier this year.
Responding to obvious public unease, local media outlet The Rochdale Valiant has specifically raised concerns about the fate of a particular green space of notable beauty in the area. The publication fears this specific site could be negatively impacted or lost as a result of the planning proposals.
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The selected 50-acre site has long been earmarked for development as part of the wider Greater Manchester 'Places for Everyone' spatial development strategy.
At the February planning meeting where permission was granted, Councillor Janet Emsley commented on the situation, stating, "We haven’t got a leg to stand on legally basically. If we refuse it we will be hit by a legal fee and it will go ahead anyway". This assertion, suggesting the council faced unavoidable legal costs and likely defeat on appeal if permission were refused, has been viewed by some observers as a potentially weak assumption or even a statement that may have been influenced or instructed elsewhere.
Despite the ongoing concerns from residents and local media regarding infrastructure strain and environmental impact, the signing of the legal agreements could, indeed, mark the official initiation of the extensive housing project in Castleton to move forward.
The scheme, proposed by developers GLP Trows LLP and BDW Trading Ltd, had previously been granted planning permission by Rochdale Council on February 27th following extensive deliberations. However, the legal agreements, often referred to as Section 106 agreements, which typically cover developer contributions and conditions, represented the last hurdle for the project to proceed.
The ambitious development, located off Cowm Top Lane, south of the Cowm Top Business Park and close to the M62 motorway, is set to feature a mix of terraced, detached, and semi-detached properties. These could range in size from two-bedroom houses up to larger four and five-bedroom 'executive' homes. In addition to the residences, the plans include provision for a linear park, areas of open green space, and playgrounds.
However, the proposal has been met with significant local opposition since its inception. A primary concern among residents has been the potential impact of hundreds of additional vehicles on already congested local roads.
Initial delays on a decision were also caused by health and safety concerns regarding access points to the planned estate, although the planning committee ultimately resolved these issues sufficiently to grant permission earlier this year.
Responding to obvious public unease, local media outlet The Rochdale Valiant has specifically raised concerns about the fate of a particular green space of notable beauty in the area. The publication fears this specific site could be negatively impacted or lost as a result of the planning proposals.
.jpg)
The selected 50-acre site has long been earmarked for development as part of the wider Greater Manchester 'Places for Everyone' spatial development strategy.
At the February planning meeting where permission was granted, Councillor Janet Emsley commented on the situation, stating, "We haven’t got a leg to stand on legally basically. If we refuse it we will be hit by a legal fee and it will go ahead anyway". This assertion, suggesting the council faced unavoidable legal costs and likely defeat on appeal if permission were refused, has been viewed by some observers as a potentially weak assumption or even a statement that may have been influenced or instructed elsewhere.
Despite the ongoing concerns from residents and local media regarding infrastructure strain and environmental impact, the signing of the legal agreements could, indeed, mark the official initiation of the extensive housing project in Castleton to move forward.
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