Norden housing development jeopordised by job losses

Plans for a 200 home development in Norden are in the balance after the company behind the proposal announced 80 job losses this week.

Countryside Properties had received planning permission for the Norden site but the Northern office of the company, which is in Warrington, has been forced to make job cuts due to the condition of the housing market and their northern sites that have planning permission face an uncertain future.

The cuts come after the company announced 30 job losses in May this year.

Countryside Properties (Northern) Ltd was a joint applicant in the controversial planning application to build over 600 homes and a children's nursery on the site of what was the world's largest asbestos factory, the former Turner & Newall site in Spodden Valley. The planning application remains undecided but Countryside Properties withdrew their interest last year, leaving in the hands of the other applicants MMC Estates.

The company has announced that it will be continuing work at New Broughton, Sports City and The Cottons at Chadderton, Carrington Park in Warrington and in Stoke.

A statement from the company said: “With regret we confirm that Countryside Properties (Northern) Ltd is having to consider further redundancies and is currently consulting with staff affected.

“The proposals could affect around 40 per cent of the 200 staff working within the regional company. These redundancies follow on from the initial round made earlier this year and reflect the need to reduce the size of the company following the continued worsening of market conditions.

“The true extent of the significant downturn in the housing market in the region has now led to a slowing down of our development programme and a continuing review of the company’s business.

“Countryside Properties prides itself on its retention of staff across the group and the development of long-term careers for its people. The current exceptional market conditions are however creating the most challenging operating environment for many years and it would be irresponsible not to react by reducing the cost base of the company.”