Affordable housing developments passed

Three sites across the borough will be disposed of to create affordable housing for the people of Rochdale.

The decision to let this development of 27 houses take place was made at a Rochdale Council cabinet meeting on Monday (14 June 2010).

The first of the three sites is on Athol Street in central Rochdale; the land has been used as a garage site for more than 40 years, but fewer garages are currently occupied meaning the area has suffered from fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.

As a result the garage site will be disposed of and a development of 10 new dwellings will be built by Regenda Housing Group

Funding for the project will come from the Greater Manchester Housing Pot; funding allocations are expected to be decided in the new coalition government’s budget on 22 June.

Schemes receiving money from this pot must adhere to a tight timetable meaning work needs to start on the site by 30 June 2010.

The second site to be redeveloped is 88 Hill Street in Heywood. The property is currently vacant and considered an ‘eye sore’ - there are fears if it isn’t redeveloped it would sit empty and continue to be a nuisance property for residents living close by.

The property will be redeveloped by Guinness Northern Counties into five affordable houses for rent and is expected to provide regeneration benefits to the area. Money has also been sought from the Greater Manchester Housing Pot and work needs to start by 30 June 2010.

The third site passed for redevelopment is Kitchen Street in Rochdale; the land was previously home to the Wardleworth Children and Families Centre, however, since it was demolished two and half years ago the site has remained unused.

Regenda Housing Group will take over the site and create 12 dwellings.

A full planning application will be submitted by Regenda Housing Group this month.