Legal fights stalls plans to bulldoze six Rochdale housing blocks on England’s ‘most deprived estate’

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wants to regenerate the Lower Falinge estate and has determined bulldozing the blocks is the only affordable option. The estate was named the most deprived area in England for the fifth successive year back in 2013.

The maisonette blocks earmarked for the wrecking ball include Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, and Vaynor – containing 126 homes in total.

The vacant blocks have slowly been emptied since 2017. But not all the 1970’s style apartment blocks in the estate will be levelled, as some still have residents living there.

Campaigners living in the neighbouring blocks have been opposing the demolition proposals, which were granted approval in April.

They have said how the demolition, right next to their homes, would be a huge disruption to their lives, would impact on their human rights and failed to properly consider environment impact assessments.

It has now been revealed Rochdale council has conceded the judicial review launched by campaigners. This means RBH would need to reapply for planning permission if they wanted to demolish the blocks.

Millions of pounds have already been invested into newer housing in the area, with new housing blocks already built in the estate. The site off Spotland Road would be left as vacant grassland until RBH makes a decision on the next stages of their redevelopment plans.

Hannah Fleming, RBH director of regeneration and development, said: “We’re committed to our long-running plans to create much needed high quality family homes and a brighter, greener Lower Falinge.

“We are pleased that the demolition of the nearby commercial sites is nearing completion. The flats earmarked for demolition are considered to be at the end of their life and are in a condition that would mean they cannot be occupied and would not be safe and warm homes.

“The only sustainable and affordable solution is to demolish them and build new homes that will meet the aspirations of the current and next generation of customers.

“We’re confident that our current application complies with all the relevant planning guidance, including the Lower Falinge supplementary planning document.

“We hope our application can be approved quickly so that we can move forward with our plans.”

Rochdale council has been contacted for a comment.