Rochdale approves 127 homes on former chemical plant site
Homes England and Vistry Partnerships can begin transforming the former site of the factory of paint manufacturer AkzoNobel after more than 15 years of attempts to redevelop the area.
The 127-home scheme was unanimously approved at Rochdale Council’s planning committee meeting on Thursday, despite fears over asbestos contamination, congestion, and increased pressure on local services.
Four two-bed, 54 three-bed, 57 four-bed, and 11 five-bed houses will now be delivered on the 19-acre plot off Hollingworth Road in Littleborough.
Of the 127 homes, 19 will be affordable.
There will be two parking spaces provided per house.
The land is currently clear, following the demolition of the chemical processing plant in 2008.
Homes England appointed Vistry to redevelop the 19-acre plot in 2021, having purchased the site for £10m in 2017.
The government body stepped in following three unsuccessful attempts to build homes on the site.
The first was in 2005, when housebuilder Bellway Homes withdrew its plans to develop 280 homes on the site due to contamination fears. Woodford Group’s proposals for 164 homes in 2006 did not progress either.
More recently, Countryside Properties was granted planning permission for a 174-home development, which were not delivered.
The application for the current 127-home project from Homes England and Vistry Partnership was submitted by Barton Willmore, now Stantec.
Golby & Luck is landscape architect for the scheme, while Pell Frischmann is transport consultant. Eastwood & Partners is advising on drainage and FES on acoustics.
To find out more about Vistry’s plans, search for application number 21/01146/FUL on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
