Next phase of Hollin Lane housing set for approval

Proposals by housebuilder Wainhomes for 90 homes off Hollin Lane, Middleton, are due to be discussed by Rochdale’s planning committee next week with a recommendation to approve.

Wainhomes plans to build a mix of four, three, and two-bed houses on the nine-acre site, designated as protected open land under Rochdale’s unitary development plan.

The land is currently used as open pasture, and is near two proposed developments by Taylor Wimpey, for 65 houses and 205 homes respectively.

Wainhomes’ reserved matters planning application is for 63 four-bed homes, 23 three-bed homes, and four two-beds. Vehicular access to the site will be via Langley Lane, and a footpath and cycle link will run through the site via an existing right of way.

The housebuilder originally planned to build a block of two-bedroom apartments towards the northern edge of the site, but this was removed following “substantial concerns” from planners around the block’s potential design and appearance.

The scheme has been recommended for approval by Rochdale’s planning officers, but received 14 letters of objection, which argued the site should “remain as protected open land” and that the development was “not sustainable”.

A report to Rochdale’s planning committee said: “The proposals are considered to result in a sustainable form of development and would comply with the relevant policies of the Rochdale core strategy.

“The biodiversity impact of the development can be offset by way of off-site mitigation.”

Wainhomes will be required to make a contribution of £29,000 to fund proposed environmental works including the creation of a pond complex on-site and control of invasive plant species.

A Section 106 agreement was originally signed off when the scheme was granted outline planning permission. These included a £227,200 contribution towards primary education; £138,600 towards secondary education; £83,600 to outdoor sports facilities at Bowlee Playing Fields; and £10,600 towards cycle lane improvements.

Rochdale’s planning committee is due to meet on 5 February.

The professional team on the project includes Emery as planner and WYG.