A NEW application has been made to convert a former Denton hotel into apartments – but has already received almost 150 objections.
After the last attempt to develop The Old Rectory site in Haughton Green was withdrawn, Collaborative Living has lodged a new one.
It would place 18 units – down from the previous 24 and seven of which would be two-bedroomed – over three floors on the Meadow Lane site, all of which would be affordable.
Other changes have been made, including the widening of site access to a provide dedicated pedestrian footway, relocation of the retaining wall and enhanced areas for amenity space and landscaping.
Irwell Valley Homes has also been removed as a joint applicant, the Manchester-based form – of whom Lee Robinson is listed as its sole director – is the only one looking to build.
But 144 people have already registered their opposition to the scheme.
Documents supporting the plan state: “The vision for this site is to create a secure outward looking scheme for affordable rent.
“Collaborative Living want to provide housing for general needs with the aim of creating a balanced community and to promote tenure diversification in the area.
“Collaborative Living has carefully considered feedback received from the council, statutory consultees and the local community and changes have been made to the scheme to reflect the feedback received.
“The proposal seeks the redevelopment of a redundant site which has the potential to contribute towards the delivery of sizeable homes within a sustainable location.
“It will be a positive addition to the housing offer within Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council boundaries and should be approved.”
Local opposition to the last attempt to convert The Old Rectory, which has stood empty since 2009, was led by local councillors.
It was originally used as the Rectory for St Mary’s Church and a single dwelling, with the first buildings occupying the site from 1867 before being sold in 1967 and later used as a hotel.
And Denton South Cllrs Jack Naylor, Clair Reid and George Newton have asked people living nearby to make their views clear to Tameside Council.
They said: “We encourage residents to leave comments on the planning portal once the application is live.
“We will share updates with residents once we have more information.”
Haughton Green already has affordable housing by the bucket load! It’s a much larger percentage than most areas in Tameside, especially for its size. Air quality is poor and life expectancy is YEARS less than other areas in the SAME TOWN!!! Yet they opt to build even more flats, just because a small parcel of land is classed as brownfield and can receive funding! Before being demolished, the small low level country hotel was naturally screened off and boasted being part of the unique charm, beauty and heritage this single track country lane has to offer. Both visitors and locals have appreciated and protected the space for decades. It’s a hidden gem just a few streets from 3 high rise flats and a multitude of neighbouring estates belonging to local Housing Associations.
What is being overlooked in the hurry to secure homes is local job opportunities which the hotel or proposed care home would provide. An opportunity for Retirement properties which would encourage downsizing within the area and encourage use of the few local shops struggling to survive.
These needs are a luxury afforded to other parts of Denton and Tameside containing brownfield sites, so why not HG? Is it the path of least resistance the developers love? It’s Irwell Valley’s second largest housing estate yet there’s scarce recreational facilities and amenities, so why keep packing in more struggling families whilst removing the tiny bit of tranquility the area has to escape the stresses of life??? Is HG set to become nothing more than an urban ghetto of deprivation, just so self-claimed marketing expert like Lee Robinson can exploit government funding for housing incentives, and blag his way into a lucrative career in development? If Lee really cared about creating better lives for people, he’d start by acknowledging those who have worked hard to create one for themselves and collaborate with them, rather than against them to balance the needs of the area more fairly.
Well said I couldn’t agree more!!
I agree with the above resident’s comments. Also the stone wall which is the character of Meadow lane, will that be interfered with? Plus the trees which have stood so long, forming a beautiful canopy, are they to disappear? I sincerely hope not. I’ve been a resident over forty years and walk meadow lane often…the start of our local beauty spot Houghton Dale