Major canal-side estate could bring 127 new homes to Castleton and it's about to get the green light

Thursday, 31 July 2025 11:42

By George Lythgoe

Eastern view of Trub Farm land in Rochdale, next to the canal

A huge housing development could be built on the side of the Rochdale Canal.

Tonight, 31st July, Rochdale Council’s planning committee will decide whether or not to approve plans for 158 homes on Trub Farm off Manchester Road. MCI Developments wants to take the long stretch of land bounded by the canal, just a short distance from Castleton, and transform it into a residential space.

Originally the proposal was for 162 homes, but the plans have since been scaled back slightly.

The homes would all have private gardens and surround public open space as well as a children’s play park, if plans are approved.

The applicant stated that the homes would all be available at an affordable rate (up to 80 per cent of market value).

The 24 two-bedroom homes will be apartments in addition to another 24 three-bedroom apartments. The remainder will be provided as family-sized homes as a mixture of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses with three, four and five bedrooms.

The majority of the houses would stand at 2-storeys in height, whilst 23 would stand at 2.5-storeys in height. Most of the accommodation would be provided as semi-detached houses or small terraces of three.

The apartment buildings would be constructed to 3-storeys in height and be positioned towards the northern end of the site.

Access to the site would come from Trub Road, via a bridge and walkway over the canal to allow pedestrians to join the existing connection onto the canal footpath. There is also a proposed stairway to the north of the site, leading up to the canal, which will allow easy connections to Castleton.

“The proposed scheme Trub Farm will be developed to provide a beautiful, well-designed neighbourhood for residents,” planning papers read. “The scope and nature of the suggestions will guarantee that the plan will benefit and improve the neighbourhood and surroundings.

“The development is placed in context with the surrounding region by carefully considering the structure, massing, streetscape, landscaping, and materials, resulting in an appealing, distinctive, and aspirational plan.”

The plans have been recommended for approval by council planning officers; a decision will be made by the committee tonight, Thursday, July 31.