Fate of two contentious housing plans will be decided next week

Hundreds of new homes could be built in Castleton - and a golf clubhouse could be relocated to make way for housing.

Two major planning applications in Rochdale could soon make progress - in Castleton and Middleton respectively.

When Rochdale town hall's planning committee meets next week, councillors will have the final say on both proposed developments.

The first item on the agenda is the plan to knock down the clubhouse at North Manchester Golf Club in Middleton and build it elsewhere at the site. Some 56 new homes would in turn be built on the vacated land. A similar plan was rejected in 2019.

In Castleton, the fate of a plan for 445 homes on green belt land hangs in the balance. The proposal has long been part of the Greater Manchester housing strategy, Places for Everyone. At one point, developers considered building 550 homes on the land at Cowm Top.

Proposals to demolish the clubhouse at North Manchester Golf Club, build a new one elsewhere on the site - and build homes on the vacant plot have proved controversial.

There are plans to also get rid of the current pro shop, function room and greenkeepers store. A residential development with 56 new homes would be built in on the land.

The new clubhouse and car park would be constructed where the practice area now sits. The current clubhouse is deemed to be unsuitable and in dire need of repair.

Planning papers say the new clubhouse, which would retain its ‘four attractive arches’, would be split into three zones. The lower level would be a reception and pro-shop, while the the upper level would house a members' bar and snooker room.

The third level, built over the changing spaces and toilets, links the existing refurbished barn to the new club event room. The