Hundreds of homes on Littleborough’s countryside set for approval

Wednesday, 19 November 2025 16:33

By George Lythgoe

CGI of Bloor Homes' 306-home housing development next to Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough

Hundreds of new homes are set to be built on the Littleborough countryside near a popular beauty spot.

The plan for 309 houses right next to Hollingworth Lake has been recommended for approval by town hall officers. The giant scheme has long been earmarked for land next to the tourist hotspot in the Rochdalian town.

Now its fate will be decided at next week’s planning committee meeting on November 27.

Bloor Homes sparked controversy locally with their desire to build land to the west of Hollingworth Road, as well as a replacement car park off Rakewood Road.

Alongside the homes and the replacement car park for Hollingworth Lake Country Park, a new park and a tree-lined ‘green corridor’ linking Rochdale Canal to Hollingworth Lake with a circular footpath network are also planned.

Bloor Homes believe this scheme, which forms part of Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone housing plan, will help answer the housing emergency in the area. More than 20,000 people on the Housing Register for social housing in Rochdale.

The Littleborough Civic Trust (LCT) has been one of the scheme’s biggest opposers, previously raising concerns over the potential traffic impact this could bring to an already congested road network. The group that seeks to preserve Littleborough’s heritage also believed the new primary school linked to the proposals to be unnecessary.

Recognising local concerns about traffic, Bloor Homes has vowed an investment of £927,000 in road improvements. This comprises upgraded junctions, better bus stops and a significant contribution to the new A58 relief road.

The housing developer has also promised contributions of over £584,000 towards a secondary education provision for Littleborough and designating land for a new primary school.

James Clark, managing director for Bloor Homes said: “Bloor Homes would like to extend sincere gratitude to the community, council officers, and consultees who have helped shape our final plans for this exciting new development.

“Their feedback has been instrumental in developing a scheme that will both contribute essential new housing to assist Rochdale’s housing needs, whilst also bringing benefits to the local community through financial support for new secondary education provision, improvements to local highways, and investment in local green spaces.

“We are pleased to introduce Littleborough’s first four-bedroom affordable homes, as part of the 47 affordable homes planned for the site. This initiative directly addresses the needs and feedback expressed by local residents.

“Rochdale Borough Council’s planning officers recommendation for approval reflects Bloor Homes’ dedication to quality, place making, and long-term benefit for Littleborough and Rochdale. It exemplifies how responsible development can strengthen communities, deliver high quality design and enhance the surrounding environment in a sympathetic manner.

“We are very much looking forward to delivering this development, which will undoubtedly be a flagship scheme for the region.”

Rochdale council’s planning committee will decide on the application at the meeting in the Number One Riverside building Thursday, November 27 at 6pm.

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