Rochdale council has approved plans for a new seven-bedroom 'luxury' home at the former mansion of Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear, bringing an end to months of controversy and confusion over the site's future.
The property, known as Primrose Hill Farm on Rochdale Road East in Heywood, was at the centre of a planning furore earlier this year when false rumours circulated that it was to be converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) for immigrants, leading to protests outside.
Planning history and stop notice
At the time of the protests, building work had already started despite no valid planning application being submitted to Rochdale council. The council issued a temporary stop notice (TSN) on February 20 after being alerted to the construction by councillors.
The new owner, Dr Liaqat Malik, subsequently submitted a planning application to convert the old stables into a seven-bedroom 'luxury' house, which has now been approved by the planning committee.
Committee approval and details
Despite the earlier furore, no objector attended the latest planning committee meeting to contest the scheme. Mr Malik was present and explained that previous plans had been submitted to building control by mistake, which led to the 'trouble' with protests and online speculation.
Building control applications look at how a development is constructed, whereas planning permission outlines what is being built. Following unanimous approval on August 5, the approved scheme includes three en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, along with a kitchen, dining room, reception area, cinema room, and a family bathroom.
Additional features and previous applications
Four more en-suite bedrooms and a lounge on the first floor are also planned, as well as space for seven cars. Planning papers say the east stables would be converted into a garage, and the south stables into a bike storage room, pool area, rest room, and a bathroom.
The site has seen several changing applications in recent months. In October 2025, a building control application for a 15-bed HMO was submitted, amended in November to a 15-bed bed and breakfast, then in February to 10 two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom house, and finally in March to a luxury residential house for one family with an annex building – the version that was ultimately approved.
