Demolition nears for Rochdale’s Spotland Mill

The derelict mill building is set to be cleared to make way for 47 homes after Rochdale’s planning committee chose to approve a hybrid application for the site against officer recommendation.

Developer Hallmark’s plans for the site, which formerly housed the Dexine Rubber Company, were given approval earlier this month, with councillors signing off the scheme despite concerns from planning officers over noise, dust, and heritage concerns.

The mill buildings date to the late 1800s but are not listed, and have remained derelict since the rubber company vacated the site more than a decade ago. They have seen a number of anti-social behaviour incidents in the intervening years including arson.

The 3.7-acre site sits within the Spotland Bridge conservation area and also includes a steel-framed industrial unit, which is due to be retained and split into four separate spaces under the plans.

The developer’s hybrid application is due to be given final sign-off by Rochdale Council next week, including the terms of a Section 106 agreement.

Hallmark’s application is split between full planning permission for the demolition of the former mill building, and the retention and refurbishment of the industrial unit.

It also includes outline permission for up to 47 homes across three parcels of land, the largest of which is on the site of Spotland New Mill.

Contributions via the Section 106 agreement are set at a maximum of around £210,000 towards education; £101,700 to off-site outdoor sports provision, and a maximum of £92,000 towards public open space provision. The affordable housing requirement is 15% on-site or 7.5% of the site’s gross development value in off-site provision.

A reserved matters application for the housing will need to be brought forward and approved before construction of these homes can begin.