Residents fight back with costed plan to stop mass demolition of Rochdale estates

Campaigners in College Bank and Lower Falinge have unveiled a costed community-led plan to transform their estates, amid growing concern from local councillors over the future of social housing in Rochdale.

A grassroots housing group in Rochdale has launched a detailed community-led plan offering a practical alternative to the continued demolition of social homes across College Bank and Lower Falinge.

The College Bank Support Group, which has spent nearly two years working with independent architectural firm Unit 38, says its plan offers a “viable and affordable” way forward for the estates, focused on refurbishment rather than clearance.

The Community Plan addresses practical issues such as insulation, glazing, heating efficiency, and the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms. Organisers say it was developed through extensive consultation with fellow tenants and wider community members, aiming to protect social housing for future generations.

A spokesperson for the group said:

“Our fight is to save our own homes, but not only for those of us who live and enjoy living here, it’s for the wider community across Rochdale. We have 22,000 people on the waiting list, families and children in bed and breakfasts and hostels, trying to build a life.”

The proposals come after fears over the ongoing loss of social homes in the area, previously reported on by Roch Valley Radio. Lower Falinge, directly opposite College Bank, has already seen major demolition work, including at the former RSPCA and Brickcroft Club sites.

Labour councillor for Spotland and Falinge, Cllr Amber Nisa, said she had been contacted by residents distressed at the lack of redevelopment clarity following the demolitions.

“Residents have contacted me expressing their upset about the lack of plans for our community. RBH currently has an application to demolish 128 homes in the area, but I’ve seen no plans to replace them. I’m very concerned that RBH wants to regenerate the area with zero plans to replace the lost homes.”

Labour and Cooperative councillor Daniel Meredith, who leads on regeneration and housing at Rochdale Borough Council, also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in current proposals.

“At this point, I have not seen any future plans for the area and that concerns me. In Rochdale borough, there is an ongoing housing emergency with approximately 22,000 people on the waiting list. I will work with the Community Plan and RBH to provide homes for future generations.”

Mark Slater, Chair of the Rochdale branch of the Greater Manchester Tenants Union, said:

"Greater Manchester Tenants Union have been working with local campaigners for nearly 10 years. The opposition to any demolition plans reflects the passionate desire of the Community to remain in their homes and the vital need to maintain and increase the supply of badly needed social housing, with 22,000 Rochdale people on the waiting list... This is a professionally produced, costed and viable plan and must be taken seriously."

David Crabtree, a resident of Lower Falinge and full-time carer, warned of the personal, environmental and community consequences of demolition:

"RBH’s proposed demolition would remove 128 one, and three-bedroom homes that could be refurbished to help cut the borough's 22,000-person waiting list. It would disrupt remaining tenants with months of noise, pollution and loss of green space, all while no clear redevelopment plans exist."

"The environmental damage will be huge. Much-loved trees, apple blossom rows, spring bulbs, and wildflower areas will be lost, despite RBH’s past promises to protect them. They made similar pledges before demolishing Exbury and neighbouring blocks, yet all the trees were destroyed."

"My son, who is autistic, partially sighted and hearing impaired, will suffer if demolition goes ahead. We’ve had no personalised consultation. I was already forced to resettle once. Now, after a year of building works and broken commitments about gardens, hubs, and consultations, we face the same story again."

"RBH repeatedly lies to residents. They assured us last year there were no more demolition plans while undeveloped land remained. That was untrue. They promised all options would be on the table for remaining blocks. That never happened. They said green spaces would be reinstated. They weren't."

"Since its inception in 2012, RBH has systematically failed its tenants. It has broken tenancy agreements, neglected homes, mismanaged funds and misled residents. From failed consultations to ignored legal challenges, they’ve bulldozed trust along with buildings."

David continued by saying;

"We’ve engaged in good faith, but suggestions have been ignored. RBH accepts feedback only as a formality, not as something to act upon. They push ahead with pre-determined plans while pretending to listen. The reality on the ground tells a very different story." I was forced to relocate once already, now, without any proper consultation, we're facing the same uncertainty again."

The College Bank Support Group has made their Community Plan publicly available via the dedicated website https://rochdalehomes.co.uk, encouraging residents to engage with the alternative vision before more homes are lost.

They hope to shift the narrative from one of demolition to revitalisation, rooted in resident-led design and long-term affordability, as local councillors continue to call for stronger accountability from RBH and a growing public push for the community-first development.