Permissions pave way for Rochdale homes

Planning permission has been granted for the first two residential development parcels at a 1,000 home community in Rochdale.West Hopwood is being brought forward as part of the South Heywood masterplan.Russell Homes and Bellway Homes have secured reserved matters approval for 217 properties across two sites from Rochdale Borough Council’s planning committee.The Oaks at West Hopwood from Russell Homes will bring forward 61 detached and semi-detached houses, from three to five bedrooms.The five-acre plot, on Hareshill Road, sits at the northern entrance to the wider South Heywood regeneration site. The mixed-use residential and commercial scheme is being brought forward by Russell Homes’ sister company Russell LDP as master developer.Bellway Homes will build 156 properties after acquiring an 11.6-acre site immediately to the south, with access from Manchester Road.To be known as Hopwood Meadows, Bellway will build a mix of three, four and five bedroom detached and semi-detached homes set alongside a new linear park.Work on both is due to commence this summer, with sales launched later this year and the first completions expected in early 2023.Gary Lynch, Russell Homes planning director, said: “These approvals mark a crucial milestone in the delivery of the South Heywood masterplan and allow for the creation of the new West Hopwood residential community.”Grace Yarlett, senior sales manager for Bellway Manchester, added: “With the added benefit of huge investment in the area resulting in great new community facilities and open green spaces, we are confident that homes at Hopwood Meadows will be in high demand once released for sale later this year.”