Dozens of new homes could be built on derelict mill and former industrial site in Norden

Plans have been submitted for 56 houses at the old Shepperd Mill and Tack Lea Works site, in Norden, Rochdale.

The proposals, lodged by Empire House Piccadilly Ltd, include a mixture of three and four-bedroom properties, with two car parking spaces each.

Vehicles would access the site via the former entrance of the former Shepperd Mill site, opposite Blackpits Road.

Although previously developed, a small part of the land – which is divided by Woodhouse Lane Brook – lies within the green belt.

But the developer argues this should not act as a barrier to development, as the proposals would have no more impact than the current buildings.

A document submitted with the application adds that neither would the homes contribute to urban sprawl, which the green belt exists to prevent.

“The scheme will present a pleasing and buildable scheme that will enhance the local settlement and provide much needed quality housing for the area,” it says.

The planning statement goes on to set out the benefits a new housing estate could bring to the area.

It adds that the scheme would provide ‘high quality residential dwellings’, maximising the potential of a ‘vacant and under-utilsed premises’.

 

 

The document continues: “The redevelopment of the site could result in the removal of vacant industrial premises, and the construction of housing.

“The boost to the economy arising out of the construction activity is established as being a legitimate economic contribution to sustainable development.

“In terms of the social role, there is a recognised need for housing in Rochdale, and as such this proposal will meet that objective.”

The document also claims that the project would not result in any loss of wildlife habitat or biodiversity, adding ‘the use of previously developed land which is in disrepair clearly contributes to the most efficient use of the land’.

Applications for development in the green belt have to satisfy planners that ‘very special circumstances’ exist to justify doing so.

A decision will be made by Rochdale Council’s planning and licensing committee in due course.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter