Approval lined up for prominent Rochdale schemes

A pair of prominent residential schemes in Rochdale – one of which concerns the redevelopment of the former Soccer Village scheme – could soon be backed.The Soccer Village site once accommodated an equestrian centre before its conversion in 2005.It closed in October 2020 following a reduction in business but is still home to a number of buildings.Rochdale Borough Council is behind an application to transform the site into a 47-home scheme comprising a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties.A total of 40 responses have been received from locals, with 26 in support, 13 objecting and one remaining neutral.Approval has been recommended.A larger scheme is also set to go before Rochdale Borough Council’s planning committee on 3 December, with Russell Homes proposing 100 properties on New Road.The application is a revision of an earlier effort, with a report to the authority noting that the changes “are considered to maintain an attractive, relatively green and spacious modern housing scheme, with ample public open space and connections to neighbouring developments”.Approval has been recommended.