Rochdale’s planning committee has delayed a decision on the first phase of a 450-home development on playing fields in Bamford, citing concerns about flooding.
Proposal details
The proposal, submitted by Wain Homes, would see 45 houses built on land behind Greenvale. Access would be created by demolishing Chadwick Farm Barn on Greenvale and replacing it with a T-junction for vehicle entry.
This scheme is the first of many planned for the former green belt land, which contains several playing fields and sports pitches. The site was removed from green belt status after the adoption of the Greater Manchester housing strategy, Places for Everyone.
Local opposition
More than 300 locals have raised concerns, focusing on flooding issues and road congestion. Claire Bayman, representing the Save Bamford Greenbelt group, highlighted that the masterplan for the wider scheme has not been finalised, meaning there is no safeguarding for transport connectivity, drainage, highways, and local amenities across the whole site.
Council planning officers admitted it was ‘less than ideal’ that a masterplan had not yet been created. Fellow objector Barry Lewis told the committee on August 5: “I am concerned about the flooding on the site that already has drainage issues.”
Developer response
Planning agent Gareth Salthouse, representing Wain Homes, explained that drainage for the site had been assessed and said the plan could be done quickly to bring ‘much-needed housing’ to the area. He added: “This plan has been years in the making and a thorough consultation period (for the overall 450-home scheme). People have had a good opportunity to make their views known.”
“This development washes its own face. It brings forward the site quickly and there is no point in delay. Ideally the council or Northstone (the major landowners) would have delivered a masterplan already. But if you wait for the masterplan the benefits are going to be delayed further.”
Committee concerns
The planning committee remained concerned about the lack of an overall masterplan. Coun Tom Besford feared this ‘piecemeal development’ would see each developer do the bare minimum of affordable homes for each plot, eventually resulting in all benefits not coming to fruition. A new clubhouse for Bridge FC and revamped sports pitches are seen as the major benefits of the overarching scheme.
Coun Besford said: “Why would we go through the blood, sweat and tears of getting PfE over the line but then just give this land away. We have to assume that we could get 10 other plans like this. Then what if it doesn’t add up and everything falls short overall.”
Following the suggestion of Coun Dave Bamford, the committee agreed to defer a decision until a later date so the drainage issue could be properly assessed.
