Taylor Wimpey revises plans for controversial Dean Farm development

The revised proposals for the Dean Farm development

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Controversy about the proposed development at the site of Dean Farm in Balderstone has reared its head again after residents of Gilbrook Way received an information pack with revised plans from developer Taylor Wimpey.

In April 2015, Rochdale Council granted outline planning permission for 70 dwellings at Dean Farm on Badger Lane ‘subject to conditions’- despite opposition from local residents and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93879/plans-for-homes-at-dean-farm-approved-despite-objections-from-local-residents

Plans have been revised to now build around 54 residential homes on the site, extending the Pennine Gate development. The houses would be a combination of three and four bed semi-detached and detached houses, accessed via Pennine Gate rather than the original route via Gilbrook Way.

However, despite the revisions, concerns raised by local residents and councillors two years ago, still remain an issue.

Resident John Hayward commented: “Currently there are at least five sites producing some 500 houses approximately within half a mile from each other.

"Dean Farm as it stands is an oasis for our ailing mammal and bird populations which is largely untouched by human hands. Acts such as the Wild Mammal Protection Act 2006 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 are in place to protect animals from cruelty and defend protected species and their habitats.

“We also had a severe flood on Gilbrook Way and Culvert Street, where the fire service had to be called as the levels were five-feet deep. Many residents had to leave their homes for months.”

He continued: “Of course, these issues were raised by ourselves at the planning meeting some two years ago when the outline planning was being discussed, but were downplayed by the planning department.

"The main reason for the flood was the culvert on Gilbrook Way being blocked due to poor maintenance and the sheer volume of water, which would be worse if building is allowed as the water would simply cascade downhill.

“I did ask where the displaced wildlife would go as this is the last of any green space around this area. There are bats around the area and building would destroy their habitat. Again, this was raised with no further info given even though there are possible legal issues as bats are a protected species.

“In my opinion, there seems to be a culture of letting the developers do whatever they feel like, with no bio-diversity plans or even options.”

Bats were videoed on the site in April 2015.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/95411/residents-have-proof-that-bats-are-living-on-proposed-housing-development-site-at-dean-farm

A second resident, Gillian Bainbridge, said: “Taylor Wimpey sent out information packs to the residents of Gilbrook Way on 10 July, but didn’t include all residents in the mailing.

“The letter we received states they intend to start building in October this year. Given that we are now almost at the end of July and have not yet submitted their plans I find this rather a short timescale.

“We've been objecting to the Dean Farm development for two years. It all went quiet then earlier this month we got the letters with the revised plans.

"Gilbrook Way and Culvert St were impacted by the flooding last year and some residents were out of their homes for months.”

Following flooding of the area in November 2016, Councillor Daniel Meredith asked the planning department to relook at the development to reassure tenants that a repeat wouldn’t happen again.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106743/councillor-daniel-meredith-calls-for-urgent-review-of-approval-to-build-new-homes-at-dean-farm-in-balderstone

Speaking after seeing the new proposals, Councillor Meredith added his concerns still stood, and is in the process of planning a meeting with residents, although a date has not yet been arranged.

He said: “I have been in conversation with the planning department, expressing my concerns about building on Dean Farm, Balderstone. The main concern is the November flood on Gilbrook Way.

"I may not be able to stop the development but I want to work with residents on a safe development.

“If they concrete over, what would happen to the drainage? There’s a lot of surface water from the motorway and liable to flood if built on. We don’t want a repeat of last time. We need to get it right, and wait and see what Taylor Wimpey put forward. I urge residents to write to the planning department with their concerns during this pre-planning stage.”

Mark Robinson, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, said: “Further to emails from concerned residents, the Council has been in contact with Taylor Wimpey and understand they will/are consulting with local residents prior to the submission of a detailed planning application.

“The Council has not received an application from Taylor Wimpey for this site.

“The Council will notify local residents upon its receipt in order that representations can be made and considered as part of that process. We have however, in the meantime, raised the issues expressed to Taylor Wimpey.

"My advice is that to raise these in any responses that you make to Taylor Wimpey at this pre-application stage requesting that these be addressed by the developer and clarified as part of the planning application.”

Taylor Wimpey has been contacted for comment.