Bloor’s 300-home Littleborough neighbourhood heads for decision
Despite generating more than 1,000 objections, the scheme is recommended for approval by Rochdale Council’s planning team, which insists it conforms with the Greater Manchester spatial plan.
Bloor Homes lodged plans for the 47-acre development – originally comprising 312 homes but reduced to 309 after revisions – last year.
The Hollingworth Road site is allocated for redevelopment into homes in Places for Everyone, which carries significant weight in planning terms.
Bloor’s project also proposes the creation of a primary school for up to 420 pupils – in line with the spatial plan aspirations – on what is currently a surface car park.
The development features 47 affordable homes; 12 for social rent and 25 earmarked for shared ownership. The remaining homes will be a mix of three-, four-, and five-bed properties.
As part of the scheme, Bloor plans to extend and reconfigure the Hollingworth Lake visitor car park off Rakewood Lane, providing 140 spaces.
Among the concerns cited by objectors is a belief that local primary schools are already undersubscribed and that the one proposed as part of Bloor’s scheme is not needed.
Indeed, Rochdale Council’s report on the scheme acknowledges as much. “Population projections no longer indicate sufficient demand for the primary school to be required to be delivered at present”, it states.
Overall, Rochdale Council is satisfied that the scheme meets the criteria set out in Places for Everyone. Overall, Bloor will contribute more than £3m through Section 106 obligations.
James Clark, managing director for Bloor Homes said: “Bloor Homes would like to extend sincere gratitude to the community, council officers, and consultees who have helped shape our final plans for this exciting new development. Their feedback has been instrumental in developing a scheme that will both contribute essential new housing to assist Rochdale’s housing needs, whilst also bringing benefits to the local community through financial support for new secondary education provision, improvements to local highways, and investment in local green spaces.
“We are pleased to introduce Littleborough’s first four-bedroom affordable homes, as part of the 47 affordable homes planned for the site. This initiative directly addresses the needs and feedback expressed by local residents.
“Rochdale Council’s planning officers recommendation for approval reflects Bloor Homes’ dedication to quality, place making, and long-term benefit for Littleborough and Rochdale. It exemplifies how responsible development can strengthen communities, deliver high quality design and enhance the surrounding environment in a sympathetic manner.
“We are very much looking forward to delivering this development, which will undoubtedly be a flagship scheme for the region.”
Rapleys is on the project team along with Tyler Grange Group, Curtins, Briary Energy, and Reading Agricultural Consultants.
To view the plans, search for application reference number 24/00581/HYBR on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
