Homes, school and car park at Rakewood Road, Littleborough

The site and surroundings

The two plots covered about 21.5 hectares north and east of Hollingworth Lake, including agricultural land, farm buildings and existing car parks.

“Hollingworth Lake is a feeder reservoir for the Rochdale Canal (via a pipe running below the Hollingworth Road plot) and forms part of the Council’s (RBC) Hollingworth Lake Country Park, an important leisure destination in the borough. Hollingworth Road plot 1.3 The Hollingworth Road plot is located between Lake Bank, Hollingworth Road and the Rochdale Canal (to the north) and is proposed for a residential scheme and future development of a primary school.”

“This plot is surrounded by: • Residential estates at the west • The canal to the north (and beyond that by the railway line running between Littleborough and Smithy Bridge stations) • A residential scheme currently under construction to the north and northeast on the former Akzo Nobel site • To the east by agricultural fields and a ribbon of residences towards the southern extent of Hollingworth Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier screening and scoping requests found that environmental impact assessment was required, while a later scoping request was not determined.

“23/00169/SCO - Request for scoping opinion in respect of proposed development of up to approximately 330 residential dwellings and a primary school. EIA required, 26/06/2023”

“24/00526/SCO - Request for scoping opinion in respect of proposals for residential development and new primary school alongside alterations and extension to the car park at Hollingworth Lake Country Park, Rakewood Road, Littleborough. Not determined.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposals accorded with the adopted development plan and represented sustainable development.

“On the basis of the above assessments in sections 7 and 8 of this report, Officers are overall satisfied that the proposals accord with the adopted development plan taken as a whole and represent a sustainable form of development. The proposals are further supported by a range of material considerations (including the NPPF, the NDG and local SPDs).”

“It is recommended that the Planning Committee resolves to GRANT full planning permission for the development of the residential scheme and car park extension, and outline permission for the new primary school, subject to a s106 agreement for the following heads of terms and subject to planning conditions noted below.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The applicant, three objectors and councillors addressed the committee after the Chair invited them to speak.

The vote

A motion to approve was proposed and seconded, passing with eight votes for and three against.

“It was MOVED and SECONDED that the application be approved.”

“On being put to the vote, EIGHT VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR of approval and THREE VOTES were cast AGAINST.”

Minutes

The decision

Full permission was granted for the homes and car park extension, with outline permission for the primary school, subject to an agreement and conditions.

“DECISION: That full planning permission be GRANTED for the development of the residential scheme and car park extension, and outline permission for a new primary school, subject to a Section 106 agreement for the heads of terms and planning conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes