A decision on plans to transform historic mill site on the outskirts of Rochdale into new homes will be made this week,.
The long-abandoned Tack Lea Works on Bury and Rochdale Old Road could soon be repurposed, with a decision on the proposal expected this week. Hall & Co Developments Limited are keen to revamp the 19th-century dye-works in Birtle, paving the way for 32 new homes.
The plan includes the construction of 26 houses, offering two to five bedrooms, complemented by a block of six two-bedroom flats.
Hall & Co have called their vision for the site – previously occupied by Melba Plastics – as a ‘model for sustainable living’, drawing inspiration from the area’s agricultural heritage.
The project has undergone revisions since its initial conception, including the removal of a farm shop and a reduction in the number of homes so the development is ‘more closely aligned to the expectations of the neighbouring residents’
Despite objections raised over building on greenbelt land, Hall & Co maintain that the development would not have a greater impact than the previous structures on the site.
Planning permission was granted for the proposal back in August 2023, but the developer is seeking to make further changes. Citing financial constraints, Hall & Co have stated that it is no longer feasible to contribute towards affordable housing (properties marketed at up to 80% of their total value).
The planning committee at Rochdale Council now faces the task of deciding whether to approve the proposal without any provision for affordable housing.
A definitive decision on the plans will be reached at the meeting in the council HW at Number One Riverside on May 29.
