Rowland cracks on at former Chadderton school
Passed by committee in February, a decision notice has now been issued and the land sold by Oldham Council to the housebuilder to deliver 149 homes.
The 11-acre scheme off Butterworth Lane comprises two and three-bedroom semis/mews, and three and four-bedroom detached properties, including 60 affordable homes.
Rowland said that its development of the brownfield site will maximise the benefits of the local setting, providing a cycleway and pedestrian links to the Rochdale Canal through a new public open space.
Rowland’s team has taken the project through the planning process over the last nine months, resolving several technical complications. Remediation contractor Fox Group is now on site carrying out preparatory works.
The site sits close to the M60’s Junction 21, and is 800m from Hollinwood’s tram stop.
Jonathan Pickthall, land director at Rowland, said: “This is another significant purchase for us in Greater Manchester. Chadderton is a desirable location for families and commuters, with easy access to the Metrolink and motorway.
“It is pleasing to unlock and develop another brownfield site, utilising our technical team’s expertise and experience. We are excited about developing a quality canal-side development that is wholly sustainable.”
A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “This is fantastic news for Chadderton and the borough of Oldham. The transformation of this vacant site into a thriving new neighbourhood is a real boost for the area and exactly the kind of regeneration we’re proud to support.
“These much needed new homes, including affordable housing, will make a meaningful difference for local people, and I’m excited to see this development grow into a welcoming place that families and residents will be proud to call home.”
The project was approved by Oldham Council’s planning committee in February. The former South Chadderton secondary school buildings were demolished in 2020, the school having been merged with Kaskenmoor a few years earlier.
CBRE advised Oldham Council on the land sale. Asteer Planning advised Rowland on the planning application, and IGE Consulting is providing geo-environmental engineering advice.
Regional operator Rowland currently operates across 12 sites in the North West, from Greater Manchester to Cumbria, building out 400 properties a year.
Earlier this month, Rowland acquired 36 acres in the Mosley Common masterplan area near Wigan, while it had plans for 80 Grey Belt homes knocked back in Bolton in March.
