Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has submitted formal plans to the council to demolish seven blocks on the Lower Falinge estate and replace them with 270 new homes.
The blocks slated for demolition are Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, Zedburgh and Vaynor. Once cleared, RBH would build a mix of houses and flats, all available for social rent.
Location and Layout of the Proposed Development
The majority of the 270 homes would be built on the land to be demolished, next to Sheriff Street and Falinge Road to the west. There are also plots east of the estate, near Redcross Street, that would be developed under the proposals. RBH purchased the land to the east in recent years, just next to St Mary’s Gate.
The plans, if approved by Rochdale council, also include new landscaping, public open spaces, safer streets, and new walking routes into the town centre.
Resident Opposition and Previous Legal Challenge
RBH says the seven remaining blocks are at the end of their life and no longer provide safe, warm homes. Six of the blocks have been empty for years, with only Zedburgh still occupied by Andy Roche and his partner.
When RBH’s initial vision was revealed two months ago, Andy said: “Obviously it’s extremely distressing for me because it involves being forced out of my home. I am not happy about RBH’s proposals, but I’m not sure how to put it into words.”
He added: “I’m still processing it. I don’t believe they have listened to the residents of the estate at all. My partner is also distraught. We are both autistic and this eviction is making us both really ill.”
Andy has been offered multiple housing options by RBH, but claims none of them match what he currently has. The couple are part of a campaign group trying to stop the demolition. Campaigners successfully blocked RBH’s application last year with a legal challenge, arguing the proposal lacked a future regeneration plan. Now RBH has provided one.
RBH’s Vision for the New Homes
RBH says the new homes ‘will be modern and energy efficient’, designed to meet the Future Homes Standard. The developers claim this will make the homes warmer and more comfortable throughout the year, cost less to heat and run, reduce carbon emissions, provide homes for people at different stages of life, and be accessible and adaptable for changing needs.
Hannah Fleming, RBH Director of Regeneration and Asset Improvement, said: “We want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their views with us before we submitted this application. We’ve spoken to residents, businesses, community groups, and local stakeholders.”
She added: “Our aim is to build new homes that current and future customers will be proud to live in and strengthen the bonds that already exist within the local community in Lower Falinge and Rochdale town centre. We believe our proposals reflect the priorities of the people who know Lower Falinge best – our customers.”
