A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build apartments on the site of a former Denton hotel has been given the go ahead – despite more than 200 objections to an ‘insult.’
All three local councillors and MP Andrew Gwynne came out against the proposal to develop what was The Old Rectory, on Meadow Lane in Haughton Green.
But despite that and residents’ concerns, Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee approved it.
Now the hunt is on to find a housing provider to add their name to the seven two-bedroomed and 11 one-bedroomed units, which will all be affordable, after Irwell Valley Homes pulled out.
Councillor Jack Naylor and Howard George, of the Meadow Lane Residents’ Group, addressed the meeting on Wednesday, July 24 after 222 objections were received, compared to only two letters in support.
Worries over access, the felling of trees, the number of car parking spaces, removal of a ‘historic’ wall and the impact the extra residents will have on those already living in the area were among those voiced.
Cllr Naylor, acting on behalf of colleagues George Newton and Claire Reid, as well as Mr Gwynne, said: “We don’t have an objection per se to development on this site, we acknowledge there’s a clear need for affordable housing in Haughton Green.
“However, it needs to be of the right size and scale of development. We also acknowledge the applicant has made efforts to reduce the scale of the building – although we don’t believe this goes far enough.
“We don’t believe this is acceptable and is an insult to the area. The application seeks to undermine the very special nature of Haughton Green and Haughton Dale.
“Meadow Lane is the beating heart of Haughton Dale. It’s a jewel in the crown.”
Mr George added: “By its very nature, it will generate high levels of noise.
“It will naturally have a material impact on the quality of life for residents and adversely affect the tranquillity of the area.
“You will see negative consequences. The site is inappropriate, there are other sites that would be better suited to this development.”
Paul Wrigley, the agent for applicant Collaborate Living, confirmed Irwell Valley had withdrawn from the scheme at the Old Rectory, which was demolished in 2011 to make way for a proposed care home.
But he claims there are several interested parties and insisted they are ‘reputable’ and described what they propose as ‘a positive residential environment.’
“Conditions include safeguards with regards to 100 per cent nominations to the council on first lets and at least 50 per cent on subsequent lets, to ensure households on the Tameside local housing waiting list are prioritised,” he said.
“Changes were made after feedback, including a reduction in scale, reducing units from 24 to 18 and density.
“We widened site access – the existing retaining wall will be relocated and rebuilt to facilitate this – and enhanced areas for amenity and landscaping.
“The building is no higher than the former hotel and smaller than its footprint, allowing it to be sited centrally and away from surrounding properties.
“The one-bedroomed apartments will be for just one occupier.”
Apart from Cllr Jackie Lane, who voted against the proposal, every other member of the panel approved it.
Our beautiful Lane will be lost forever if this development goes ahead. The loss of 17 mature trees & a pavement on a single track bridleway, we have a special planning document that isnt worth the paper its written on, Andrew Gwynne didnt involve himself in our plight as he apparently did with Denton Baths, he states he worked with colborate living for 2 years, he couldnt spare the time to come & look at the outline of this ridiculous pavement, I am disapointed & let down as are all our residents.