Concern over plans to build 50 new houses on Belfield Mill Lane

Residents have expressed concern at a planning application for up to 50 new houses on Belfield Mill Lane, Smallbridge.

Property developers GL Hearn submitted an application for the development off Albert Royds Street to Rochdale Borough Council on 6 December 2016. The planning statement says the application is on behalf of Mr and Mrs Mills, the “long term owners of the site”, who plan to “dispose of the site immediately to a housebuilder”.

The application also alludes to the need for new housing after Rochdale Borough Council’s confirmation that it does not have a five year housing land supply required by government. It reads: “It is clear that there is a need for additional houses to meet the present and future needs of the community within Rochdale.”

However, it is understood that local residents only received a letter informing them of the planning application yesterday (11 January).

James Bannon, of Walk Mill Close, Smallbridge, has submitted an objection to the proposals and is concerned at the scale of the plans. He said: “I’ve got family who’ve lived on that lane for 70 years. It’s semi-rural and aesthetically pleasing anyway. 50 new houses would disrupt that.

“These plans would significantly increase traffic, as residents already struggle to park. The building disruption required for 50 houses is also a concern.

“Plans like this are happening all over Rochdale. It’s important to keep our green areas, especially for the wildlife in the area that would be significantly disrupted.”

Mr Bannon says he plans to contact his local councillor about the plans; he believes there could be grounds for the proposals to be refused by planners.