New homes to be built on former car lot site in Middleton

A new housing development on the site of an old car lot has been signed off at a recent planning committee meeting.

Rochdale Council has given the green light for the 16-property scheme at the former Premier Car Centre, in Middleton.

The development, near the junction of Clough Road and Rochdale Road, includes seven pairs of three-bedroom semis and two four-bedroom detached houses.

Access to 12 of the houses will be via a new estate road, while the others front on to Clough Road itself.

Buildings belonging to the previous business were demolished by developer Clough Road Properties over spring and summer last year.

Objections were raised by the public over disruption during the construction period and fears new residents would complain about noise from nearby industrial units.

However, officers found the former concern was not a reason to refuse planning permission, while the latter could be ‘mitigated’ through the design of the homes.

Councillor Donna Martin, chair of Middleton Township Committee said the new homes were a positive for the town.

She said: “Of course we welcome new homes, as long as they fit in with the area – we welcome families and people who want to work here and bring business to the area.

“There’s a lack of housing in Middleton, as there is everywhere.

“We want Middleton to flourish,” she said. “We don’t want them going anywhere else, we want to welcome them into our community and bring people to Middleton – that’s the whole masterplan.”

A scheme of this size would ordinarily leave the developer liable for a contribution of nearly £50,000 to public open space/formal sports and affordable housing.

However, they argued this would not financially viable, and consultants appointed by the council recommended a payment of £10,000 be accepted.

No affordable housing will be built at the site.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter