Release date: October 21, 2021
Aerial view of the area in Bamford / North with the existing sports facilities.
A developer has presented plans for a “sports center” in a controversial green belt location that is earmarked for 450 new homes.
Real estate giant Peel wants to have a “community talk” about the recreational facilities that it says are “at the heart of its ambitions” for the Bamford, Rochdale land.
The property between Jowkin Lane and Norden Road is earmarked for development under the Places For All (PfE) plan – a joint development strategy with eight other metropolitan areas in the Greater Manchester area.
Formerly known as the GMSF, the proposed use of the green belt remains highly controversial, but a final document is expected to be submitted to the government for approval early next year for adoption in 2023.
However, developers don’t have to wait for ministers to give the draft their thumbs up. Barratt Homes, for example, has already submitted a building application for 550 properties at Cowm Top – also in Rochdale.
Continue reading: Controversial plans to build hundreds of new greenfield homes in Rochdale have been submitted by a major developerPublished: October 5th, 2021
Peel has not yet submitted plans for the Bamford site, but has launched a public consultation on the sport and leisure element of his plan.
Bamford is already well supplied with a cricket ground, tennis and soccer fields – the PfE plan stipulates that any proposal must keep these and “improve them significantly”.
Peel says it is committed to working with local sports clubs, residents and community groups to understand how best to improve the area’s sports offerings.
Jonathan England, Company Development Director, said: “We have a special opportunity to create a lasting legacy through the Leisure and Sports Center.
“By working closely with the local community, we want to build on the region’s sports, health and wellness facilities and create a new center that can be used by future generations.
“The recreational and sports element is a fundamental part of the larger plans for the Bamford / North site and we want to talk early about what the locals would like to see.”
He added, “So whether you are already using nearby sports facilities and wondering how they could be improved or have big ideas about what is missing in terms of exercise, health or wellbeing, get in touch and have your say . “
Land on Jowkin Lane, Bamford
However, the attempt to initiate a “community conversation” was not welcomed by all sides.
Save Bamford Green Belt, for example, would prefer to put the plans on hold.
John Knott of the campaign group said the letters Peel sent to local residents “are causing unnecessary confusion and concern in the local community.”
“This land is green belt land and the ‘Seats for All’ plans for Bamford / North have not yet been presented to the Independent Planning Inspector and may not even be approved,” he said.
“We have been approached by many in the area who ask whether the final decision has already been made.
“Much of our rejection of the planned housing is due to the impact on the local environment, as many established hiking trails, soccer fields, cricket clubs and wildlife are already contributing to the well-being of the people in the area.
“Peel asks what they can do to improve the existing supply in the area. Not building 450 houses on a Grade 3 agricultural green belt would be a good start. “
The consultation runs until Wednesday, November 3rd. The residents can find out more and participate at:
- Visit www.bamford-nordenconsultation.co.uk and complete the online questionnaire.
- Posting comments to the Freepost address. Residents should write Freepost HAVE YOUR SAY on an envelope and post it – a postage stamp is not required.
- Call the dedicated community information number 0800 689 1095 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) with any questions or to request a hard copy of the questionnaire.
- Send an email to Bamford-NordenConsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk
Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter
