Unanimous approval for 100 houses in Littleborough

Rochdale Borough Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved plans from housebuilder Russell Homes for 100 new homes at a site off New Road in Littleborough.

Work on the development, called Stubley Meadows, is already under way and sales have been launched.

The seven-hectare site originally had outline planning for up to 110 properties, and detailed permission for 96 new homes, for which work has started.

The revised plan sees a reconfiguration of houses in the Northern area of the site following new guidance from the Environment Agency requiring the capping of an artesian well.

Concerns over the flood risk potential were discussed by councillors, with officers informing the committee that the Environment Agency not only had no objection to the development, but had also informally confirmed that the re-levelling works already completed on site would see all of the built area moved from Flood Zone 2 to Flood Zone 1, with the unbuilt open space and attenuation pond on the Southern part of the site being the only section to remain in Flood Zone 2.

Cllr Shah Wazir proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation to approve, seconded by Littleborough ward councillor John Taylor.

Cllr Phil Burke, vice chair of the planning committee, also encouraged members to approve.

Stubley Meadows will feature a mix of 56 four-bedroom homes, 23 three-beds, and 21 two-beds, of which 15 will be affordable homes pepper-potted throughout the development.

Regional housing association Onward will take ownership of the properties, offering eight for shared ownership and seven for affordable rent. Russell Homes will also create an informal play area and implement a full landscaping programme with 124 new trees planted.

Designed by architects MPSL, and with planning support from Barton Wilmore, ground works for the development began in September 2019.

The first properties are expected to be available by Spring 2021, and three are already reserved following the sales launch this month.

Daniel Kershaw, Russell Homes director, said: “We want to thank councillors for their robust and considered debate over this application, and the reassurance given with regards to the work we have undertaken to reduce flood risk potential to the very lowest level, to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.

“To secure unanimous approval is extremely welcome and will allow us to progress the delivery of 100 new family homes for this community, of which 15 will be affordable properties provided by Onward Homes.”

He added: “Stubley Meadows will be a development of the highest quality, providing a range of options for the community, from large family homes to smaller starter homes, all of which are in demand in this area.

“As a responsible housebuilder we will be providing good size gardens, off-road parking, attractive landscaping and public open spaces. This, together with the semi-rural location and its easy access to the town centre, motorway network and national rail links, will see Stubley Meadows become a highly sought after place to live.”