90-home development in jeopardy

A MAJOR housing development at a former mill site in Chadderton is set to be knocked back.

Officers have recommended that plans for 90 homes at the former Rose Mill are refused because the developer has failed to meet conditions which would cost £677,000.

Prestwich-based Rico Homes Ltd has not shown how it will include adequate affordable housing in the scheme or provide adequate public open space on-site or nearby.

It has failed to include a foot and cycle path link to the proposed near-by Metrolink station or guarantee access to an adjoining commercial site.

The derelict Rose Mill collapsed in February, 2007, after fire ripped through the four-storey building. More than 50 firefighters from across Greater Manchester tackled the blaze at the former textile mill which had been blighted by arson.

The site is part of the Housing Market Renewal area, a multi-million scheme to transform homes and neighbourhoods, and Rico submitted its plans for houses and flats in 2008.

The proposals go before the planning committee on Wednesday.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, could not say anything for or against the application which may influence the committee’s decision.

But he added: “As a council we have set standards we expect every development to attain. If these proposals do not meet those requirements that will be why officers have put it down for refusal. If it is refused we will work with the developers to work out what they are going to do.”