Controversial plans for new housing estate on former chemical works backed for approval - despite more than 100 objections

Controversial plans to build a new housing estate on a former chemical works have been backed for approval by council bosses - despite more than 100 public objections. Proposals for the 127-home development at the old Akzo Nobel site, near Hollingworth Lake, in Littleborough, will go before Rochdale council’s planning committee on Thursday night.

Lodged by Vistry Partnerships Ltd and Homes England, the application is the latest bid to get the 20 acre plot cleaned up and transformed into housing, after 15 years of failed attempts. The scheme, which has been scaled down from the original 174-home proposal, features a mix of properties, ranging from two-bed to five-bed homes.

Some 19 of these would be classed as ‘affordable’ - including 14 for ‘shared ownership’. Plans to redevelop the site - acquired for £10m by Homes England in 2017 - have long proven controversial in the Pennines town.

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Last year Littleborough Civic Trust raised serious concerns after planning documents revealed asbestos was still present on the land, despite remediation work being carried out in 2008 and 2009 as part of previous unfinished schemes, Homes England says mitigation will take place as part of the development process.

And there has been fierce opposition from locals - with some 103 objectors raising concerns over flood risks, contamination, increased traffic and unmapped mine works. However, a report to the council’s planning committee recommends members grant planning permission for the scheme - provided the applicant agrees to make some hefty financial contributions to roads, education, leisure and affordable housing.

It reads: “The