Hamlet saved from the developers

Councillor Farnell at Burnedge Mill where plans to build executive homes have been rejected by planners

Six new executive homes planned for the green belt have been rejected by Rochdale Council.

Planning officers rejected the plans last week using delegated powers following objections from local residents and Councillor Richard Farnell.

The houses were to built on the site of an old mill on Broad Lane, Burnedge, currently used as an animal feeds store.

Councillor Richard Farnell said : "I wrote to local residents to ask for their views and they were unanimous in opposing the development at Burnedge Mill.

"The new homes would have been out of character with the special nature of the area. It is a rural spot right on the border of the borough with High Crompton. It's a little hamlet with traditional stone cottages and old farmhouses. These executive houses would just not fit in.

"The developers were proposing to build the houses right next door to a local boarding kennels and cattery. The noise from the residential homes and their cars would have caused havoc with the animals.

"The kennels is a well established business of over 60 years and employs several local people. The new homes could have put the future of this business in jeopardy.

"I'm really pleased with the decision as it preserves the special character of this hamlet and protects the long-established kennels business. It's a red-letter day for local residents."