Planning approval secured for 40 affordable rent apartments

Bolton-based developer and contractor Challenger Building Services is celebrating its latest planning success following approval by Rochdale Council for a 40-unit apartment scheme on Rochdale Road East in Heywood.

The £4.9m development, designed by B2 Architecture, is on the site of a former car wash which closed in late 2017.

The news follows on the heels of Challenger’s recent planning success in Runcorn for a 35-unit affordable housing scheme and points to a busy final quarter of the year, says managing director Richard Hutchinson.

“We’re pleased with the consent, having worked hard to accommodate local peoples’ needs. We have a strong supply chain and are confident that we can get this on site in quarter four, along with our schemes in Runcorn and Urmston.”

Hutchinson says the development is aimed at affordable rent and he expects to conclude negotiations over its sale shortly.

“The market in towns like Heywood is often under-served, with developers focused on what they perceive as ‘hot-spots’. We see great opportunity in stable communities like this and are pleased to be adding value to Heywood.”

Paul Anderton, of architects B2 Architecture, says the development will sit well on its plot: “It’s an established residential area so we were mindful of designing a well mannered building that would move the street’s architecture forward whilst respecting the local vernacular.

“I’m delighted the council shared our vision.”

Other consultants on the scheme include SATPLAN (planning), Mode (transport planning), Echo Acoustics (noise assessment) and SLR (air quality).