Housing association to appeal after plans for 'rabbit hutch' flats refused

A housing association says it will appeal after councillors refused its plans for ‘affordable’ new flats comparing them to ‘rabbit hutches’.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wanted to build a pair of two-storey blocks on a half-acre site in the Rhodes area of Middleton, situated between Broad Street, Yates Street and Chapel Street. The proposals included eight two-bed apartments designed to be particularly suitable for people with mobility issues.

However Rochdale council’ s planning committee rejected the plans by a majority vote after hearing that some of the homes would be smaller than the national recommended standard. There were also concerns raised by residents over the loss of a well-used area of green space as well as parking and potential road safety issues.

Much-loved green space saved as plans for 'rabbit hutch' flats are thrown out by councillors

The decision has been met with dismay at RBH, where bosses immediately announced they would be launching an appeal. Clare Tostevin, RBH director of growth, said: “We’re saddened and disappointed by the decision of the planning committee to reject our application to build new social housing in Middleton.

“There is a real need for affordable homes of this type in the Middleton area. Our plans would also create new homes for local people who have mobility issues or a physical disability, who currently have no local housing options to meet their needs. We intend to appeal the decision.”

Nobody from RBH attended the planning committee meeting, held at Number One Riverside last Thursday (March 4). However Greg Milton, of architects BYA, spoke in support of the application, telling councillors it would bring ‘much needed affordable rented accommodation’ to the area.