Around 1,400 new homes announced as part of ‘garden village’ vision for Middleton

A planning application has been submitted for up to 1,380 homes as part of a proposed new landscape-led neighbourhood in Rochdale.

Well-known for its garden villages, Redrow has submitted a hybrid application for a collection of homes, community facilities, green spaces and tree-lined streets on almost 90 hectares of land, off Rochdale Road. Plans for new community facilities include the potential for shops and land for the extension of St Johns Primary School.

Located in a well-connected part of the borough, between the towns of Rochdale and Middleton, the mixed-use development would adjoin the existing communities of Slattocks and Castleton.

Robin Buckley, planning director for Redrow (Lancashire), commented: “Our plans are for a desirable new garden neighbourhood, with the design led by the local landscape and distinctive character areas created throughout.

“Our aim is to create a thriving new community with high quality and much-needed new homes, abundant green spaces with habitats for wildlife, and space provided for new community infrastructure. This includes plans for a 13.4-hectare park to the south, featuring footpaths, ecological enhancements and plenty of opportunities for play and recreation.

“A wildlife meadow is also proposed, along with green corridors designed to be suitable for foraging, while space has also been set aside for a local centre, potential community allotments and the expansion of Thornham Primary School.”

Redrow already owns 8.8 acres of the land, formally the All in One Garden Centre, and will acquire further parcels subject to planning. The wider site, including land around the existing Stakehill Industrial Estate, is designated for mixed use in the emerging Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan.

The proposed development would include 233 homes in the first phase, for which Redrow has submitted a detailed application. This includes a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties, of which 15 per cent would be designated affordable. An additional 1,147 properties are included in an outline planning application.

The first phase of the development is close to the Grade II listed St John Thornham Church and Thornham Parish War Memorial. Although both are outside the application site boundary, Redrow is proposing to preserve the setting of each by creating a buffer of open space between the historic buildings and the new homes.

Subject to planning, it is hoped construction could begin on the first phase as early as autumn 2024 with the first homeowners moving in in 2025. The overall development would be phased over approximately 15 years. Redrow is working with planning consultants Stantec on plans for the site.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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