Community Victory: Langley's Ponderosa Secured as Asset, Receives Funding for Green Space Makeover
Langley, Middleton, Greater Manchester – November 1, 2024 – A beloved green space in Langley, Middleton, once at the heart of a divisive housing development proposal, has triumphantly secured its future as a protected community asset and received significant funding for improvements. Known locally as 'The Ponderosa,' the land off Borrowdale Road was officially listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) on November 1, 2024, and has now been granted more than fourteen thousand pounds by Rochdale Council’s Middleton Township Committee for a major makeover.
The decision marks a significant victory for local residents who fiercely campaigned against plans to build 30 new affordable homes on the site a couple of years ago.
The controversy began in 2023 when Big Help Langley Developments, a community interest company formed by Langley Community Benefits Society and charity The Big Help, tabled proposals for rental housing for local people. West Middleton Councillor Sue Smith, a founder member of the benefits society, was instrumental in bringing the partnership together, advocating for the urgent need for social housing in the area.
However, the proposals met with strong resistance from a significant portion of the community. Objectors quickly formed 'The Ponderosa Committee' to push back, and a Facebook group, 'Commoners Save the ponderosa, Langley,' rapidly surpassed 1,000 members. Residents expressed concerns over the loss of vital green space, questioned the affordability and prioritisation for local people of the proposed homes, and raised broader issues of distrust and dissatisfaction with the consultation process itself, which many felt was dismissive of dissenting voices.
Developers had claimed the area had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, drinking, and drug use, a claim that sparked outrage among campaigners who defended the Ponderosa as a cherished nature spot. They highlighted its use by dog walkers, children playing, and as a venue for large charity events that had raised thousands for good causes. The committee also pointed to increased traffic on Borrowdale Road due to recent developments.
The determined fight-back from the local community ultimately led to the plans being withdrawn.
To future-proof the land, locals successfully nominated the area to be officially listed as an Asset of Community Value. This crucial designation, valid for five years until October 31, 2029, now protects 'The Ponderosa' from development. It also grants the community group the 'right to bid' for the land should it ever be put up for sale, as confirmed by Rochdale Borough Council’s website.
Now officially known as Borrowdale Road Community Asset, the area is set for significant improvements. The thousands of pounds of funding from the Middleton Township Committee will facilitate the creation of accessible entrances, widening of pathways, installation of signage, a much-needed dog waste bin, and the creation of a ditch to improve drainage.
The transformation of The Ponderosa from a developer's target to a protected and enhanced community asset stands as a testament to the power of local action in safeguarding cherished green spaces.
The decision marks a significant victory for local residents who fiercely campaigned against plans to build 30 new affordable homes on the site a couple of years ago.
The controversy began in 2023 when Big Help Langley Developments, a community interest company formed by Langley Community Benefits Society and charity The Big Help, tabled proposals for rental housing for local people. West Middleton Councillor Sue Smith, a founder member of the benefits society, was instrumental in bringing the partnership together, advocating for the urgent need for social housing in the area.
However, the proposals met with strong resistance from a significant portion of the community. Objectors quickly formed 'The Ponderosa Committee' to push back, and a Facebook group, 'Commoners Save the ponderosa, Langley,' rapidly surpassed 1,000 members. Residents expressed concerns over the loss of vital green space, questioned the affordability and prioritisation for local people of the proposed homes, and raised broader issues of distrust and dissatisfaction with the consultation process itself, which many felt was dismissive of dissenting voices.
Developers had claimed the area had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, drinking, and drug use, a claim that sparked outrage among campaigners who defended the Ponderosa as a cherished nature spot. They highlighted its use by dog walkers, children playing, and as a venue for large charity events that had raised thousands for good causes. The committee also pointed to increased traffic on Borrowdale Road due to recent developments.
The determined fight-back from the local community ultimately led to the plans being withdrawn.
To future-proof the land, locals successfully nominated the area to be officially listed as an Asset of Community Value. This crucial designation, valid for five years until October 31, 2029, now protects 'The Ponderosa' from development. It also grants the community group the 'right to bid' for the land should it ever be put up for sale, as confirmed by Rochdale Borough Council’s website.
Now officially known as Borrowdale Road Community Asset, the area is set for significant improvements. The thousands of pounds of funding from the Middleton Township Committee will facilitate the creation of accessible entrances, widening of pathways, installation of signage, a much-needed dog waste bin, and the creation of a ditch to improve drainage.
The transformation of The Ponderosa from a developer's target to a protected and enhanced community asset stands as a testament to the power of local action in safeguarding cherished green spaces.
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