Rochdale signs off 190 homes with future rail benefits

Kellen Homes will redevelop a 27-acre derelict former sidings off Heywood Road, which could support future railway expansion.

Rochdale Council’s planning committee has approved the mixed-use development on a brownfield site included within the Places for Everyone Plan.

The site has potential for the creation of a rail heritage station as part of a mooted East Lancashire Railway extension.

Around 15% of the site is earmarked for potential expansion of the East Lancashire Railway. The land will be safeguarded to support a future tram or train expansion, with a portion of the site being gifted to the ELR for this purpose.

The remainder will be retained for open space, play areas, and habitats.

Kellen will develop 191 dwellings, with in-plot parking, access, landscaping, open space, a sub-station, and a foul water pump station.

Access points will be created from The Fairways and Heywood Road to the north.

Almost half of the site will be used for residential development, ranging from two- and three- to four-bed homes, of which 29 will be affordable and available either through rent or shared ownership via First Choice.

Alongside the homes will be walking and cycling routes, and a central garden square with a children’s play area.

There will also be a publicly accessible ecology park which will the developer says will deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%, opening up more green spaces for locals to enjoy.

Through an S106 agreement, Kellen Homes will pay £450,000 towards local education and £300,000 to Mayfield Rugby Club.

“We are thrilled to receive the green light for our new community at Castleton Sidings,” said Mark Waite, head of planning at Kellen Homes.

“Castleton Sidings has long been identified as a catalyst for the sustainable regeneration of Castleton.

“The scheme is the culmination of three years of collaboration with residents, members, and officers, and Kellen is proud to be delivering a project that meets the needs of the community and as well as contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the area.”

Escape Urbanists, WSP, Ascerta, AES Sustainability Consultants, Townsend Water Engineering, Croft,  and E3P are featured on the project team.

To view the plans, search for application reference number 23/00431/HYBR on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.