Beloved grassland at centre of controversy to get makeover

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 10:09

By George Lythgoe

Campaigners fighting to save he Ponderosa in the Langley Estate, Middleton

The beloved green space at the centre of the Langley estate in Middleton was once the target of a controversial housing development - now it’s getting a makeover as a community asset.

The greenery and woodlands, which sits at the heart of the estate overlooked by houses, faced jeopardy in 2023 when Big Help Langley Development CIC (Community Interest Company) tabled proposals to build 30 new homes there.

The developers claimed the area had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, drinking and drug taking - sparking outrage locally.

Campaigners were offended by the developers’ claims and said the parcel of land was a nature spot used by dog walkers, children playing as well as big charity events that have raised thousands for good causes.

The fight back from the local community ended in the plans being withdrawn.

In order to future proof the land off Borrowdale Road, also known as 'the ponderosa', locals then got the area officially listed as a protected asset. It is now registered as an asset of community value, which will protect it for five years from development.

The group will now have the right to bid for the land in the event of it being put up for sale, according to Rochdale Borough Council’s website.

Now the area, officially known as Borrowdale Road Community Asset, will be spruced up after the group were granted £14,112 by Rochdale Council’s Middleton Township Committee. The cash will go towards creating accessible entrances to the site; widening pathways; putting up signage; installing a dog poo bin; and creating a ditch to improve drainage.

Speaking on the future plans for the site, a spokesperson for Borrowdale Road Community Asset said: “There are plans to create a wetland habitat at the southern end of the site to encourage animal and plant species that will thrive in such places therefore increasing the biodiversity.

“A few of the trees which are dead or in poor condition will be removed and replaced like for like with indigenous broad-leaved deciduous species like beech, birch and oak.

"In order to help improve the boggy nature of the field especially at the southern end the intention is to plant it up with willow trees which are ideal for absorbing excess water.

“There are plans to create a wild flower meadow and it is hoped that St Mary's School, which borders Borrowdale Park, would be willing to get involved with this as a way of teaching the pupils about biodiversity enhancement and the key issue of climate change.”

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