The redevelopment of an empty estate and the continued dispute over Ryebank Fields are among the latest planning developments in Greater Manchester.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has submitted initial plans for the future of Lower Falinge, where demolishing seven blocks of flats and replacing them with new housing has long been an ambition. The landlord has put forward an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before official proposals are tabled with the council. The EIA is a screening report to identify and mitigate any potential environmental and social effects of a proposed development.
MMU accused of 'pure hypocrisy' over Ryebank Fields
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has been accused of 'pure hypocrisy' in a row over its plans to sell Ryebank Fields in Chorlton for developers to build new homes. Chantal Kerr-Sheppard, a Green Party councillor in Chorlton, said MMU promoted a 'biodiversity' campaign in May called Make a Metre Matter, which encouraged people to 'plant and [make] green spaces', while at the same time pressing ahead with its own plans to sell off a large patch of green land.
A planning application led by MMU along with Step Places and Southway Housing Trust is aiming to build 120 homes on Ryebank Fields. If approved, the job would involve work to fix the land's 'contamination with asbestos, heavy metals and hazardous hydrocarbons', MMU said.
Rochdale estate demolition and rebuild plan
The demolition of seven blocks of flats and building 270 new homes is proposed for Rochdale's Lower Falinge estate. RBH wants to knock down the flats containing 150 homes to drive forward its vision for the land between St Mary's Gate and Sheriff Street. The maisonette blocks known as Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, Zedburgh and Vaynor all have to go.
RBH believes the 1970s blocks are no longer fit for purpose and have lived beyond their life span. In addition to the 270 'high quality' homes, RBH promises to deliver improved public spaces and better connections to Rochdale town centre through features such as cycle lanes and footpaths. Before an official planning application for the mix of flats and houses is submitted to Rochdale council, RBH has put forward an EIA.
Salford care home and Stockport library plans
A new old people's home could soon be built on the site of a convent in Salford that was burnt down in January, but neighbours aren't happy with the plans. More than 40 neighbours have opposed the 81-bed care facility at 150 Greenleach Lane in Worsley. Angela Swift Developments originally applied to demolish the more than 100-year-old St Joseph's Convent, which was once home to Franciscan Missionaries. After a fire ravaged the Victorian monastery on January 24, leaving it in an unsafe state, the building had to be knocked down.
Now the unused land facing the West Salford Greenway could receive a new lease of life as an old person's home, providing 24-hour care for those with dementia alongside residential, respite, and convalescence care.
In Stockport, the likely future of Stockport Central Library has been revealed after Reform councillor Shaun Regan put in a Freedom of Information request to the local authority. The library has been closed since May 2025 after maintenance works and repairs had to be carried out. Regan said the request revealed the council plans to renovate the Grade II-listed library as the new home of the Stockport Music Service, which is currently based in Bedbury. It's understood the move has been delayed due to the need to carefully relocate Stockport's archive collections into a purpose-built facility in Stockroom.
Mossley mill and Wigan pub plans
The future of an abandoned mill in Mossley will be decided next week. Britannia New Mill has been empty for years, with the last occupant leaving in 2022. Plans to demolish the site were approved in 2024, and a new scheme to build 49 new affordable homes has been tabled. Once the mill site has been bulldozed, Holmpatrick Limited – the developer – hopes to build 17 houses and a four-storey, 32-home apartment block. All the homes would be available for affordable rates (up to 80 per cent of market value).
In Wigan, one of the town centre's most prominent buildings is set to be converted into a pub. The OV Group, a local leisure and hospitality company, has lodged a planning application for the change of use of 25 Wallgate from a recruitment agency to a licensed bar with accommodation above. If permission is approved, the group said it would create a bar called 'The Walllgate' within the four-storey property which dates back to Victorian times.
