Plans to improve Littleborough village to be reshaped following public feedback ​

Proposals to enhance Littleborough village centre are to be reviewed after concerns were raised by residents, local councillors and businesses during a public consultation.

A series of ideas on how to improve the area, particularly around key sites like the railway station, were presented to the public late last year.

Plans being explored include the redevelopment of under-utilised brownfield land around the centre for a small number of new homes, the refurbishment of the historic railway arches for new commercial uses, the introduction of an improved public realm and more sustainable travel links.

The proposals are part of a supplementary planning document (SPD), which sets out general development principles for an area. SPDs are taken into consideration when planning applications are submitted. They also help local authorities attract external funding to help drive regeneration.

However, concerns were raised about certain elements of Littleborough’s draft SPD during a public consultation on the document. Now, the cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor John Blundell, along with Littleborough Lakeside councillors, has asked officers to review it and clarify these areas of concern. The new document will then go out to public consultation for a second time.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “What’s clearly come through on the consultation feedback is that there is some confusion about aspects of our plans for Littleborough. This has caused understandable concern in the area and we’re keen to put that right. These are really important issues for local residents and business, so we will reshape these plans to clarify much more clearly what our vision for Littleborough is before presenting them to the public once again.”

Key areas which will be clarified in the new document include:

Hare Hill Road – the council is not looking to close this road. It is proposing occasional closures of the road to facilitate community events which support local businesses, including specialist markets. Additional wayfinding and signage, along with new surfacing, is also proposed to enable people to access businesses more easily. The provision of extra short stay parking provision will be explored to support local businesses. .

Victoria Street – The SPD will be updated it to make it clear that the council will work with existing businesses to improve the area to help increase footfall and boost the early evening economy. The council would like to create high quality new units, in addition to what is already there, to help create an even more vibrant business offer in this area. Where there are a very small number of units on this street which are in a poor state of repair, the council will seek to support the businesses within them by improving their premises and surroundings or assisting with relocation to new commercial units within the same area.

Church Street – Church Street will not be narrowed as part of the proposals

Councillor John Blundell added: “The good news is that there are some really exciting proposals coming forward for Littleborough which received really positive feedback in the consultation. There is strong support for the redevelopment of the historic railway arches, which have now fallen into disrepair and for improved facilities around the station, such as food and drink outlets. People also told us that they would welcome our proposed improvements to the public realm and increased focus on creating new walking and cycling routes.

“Littleborough is an important part of our borough with a unique village feel and thriving business community, which must be retained and respected. Our plans seek to build on these strengths and make it even better, but we didn’t communicate this well enough first time round and we apologise for the worry this caused within the community. I’m looking forward to going back out to the public with a reshaped SPD in the summer and we will inform people of how to access this and get involved at the time.”

Littleborough Lakeside Councillor Janet Emsley said: “These exciting plans will see the refurbishment of historic railway arches, the introduction of an improved public realm, improved sustainable travel links and much more. We want to continue working with local residents, businesses and community groups to make Littleborough an even better place to live, work and visit. As such, a further round of consultation and engagement will ensure our ambitious proposals to regenerate the area are strengthened, in line with the wishes of the local community.”

Littleborough Lakeside Councillor Tom Besford said: “We’re really glad that the council has listened to the voices of local residents. Littleborough councillors have worked hard to ensure that the new version of the plans are right for Littleborough and we’re grateful to the hundreds of local residents who fed back through the first consultation.”