Plans to improve Littleborough village take shape

Proposals to enhance Littleborough centre are set to go out to public consultation after being considered by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

The plans seek to improve the area, particularly around key sites like the railway station, while retaining Littleborough’s distinctive character and village feel.

The proposals include the redevelopment of brownfield land for a small number of new homes and the refurbishment of the railway arches and disused buildings for new commercial uses.

The council is also looking to make improvements to the public realm and the town centre conservation area.

The plans are outlined in a draft supplementary planning document (SPD). This sets out development principles for an area and is taken into taken into consideration whenever planning applications are submitted in the future.

Having an SPD in place also makes it easier for the council to attract external funding to help drive regeneration.

Further improvements outlined in the Littleborough SPD include: improved pedestrian routes across the village and the creation of a more defined village heart centred around the junction of Church Street, Hare Hill Road and Station Approach; an improved transport interchange which is better connected to the village centre with a focus on improving the experience of arriving at the station; and enhanced public realm with opportunities for events space, street tree planting and cycle parking.

“Littleborough is a vibrant part of our borough with a very unique feel, but its proximity to the railway line is a huge asset which gives it the potential to be even better,” said Councillor John Blundell, Rochdale Borough Council.

“These proposals will help us support existing businesses, repurpose empty premises for new business use and create housing opportunities on brownfield sites.

“All of these will bring new investment into the area.

“These proposals are at their very early stages and no decisions have been made as yet.

“Our next step is to undertake a six week consultation with residents and businesses to gauge their views.”

The consultation on the Littleborough SPD can be accessed at: rochdale.gov.uk/consultations. It will run until midnight on 14th November. Public consultation events will also be taking place at Hare Hill House, Hare Hill Road, Littleborough from 5pm to 7pm on Monday 18th October and Thursday 21st October.

The proposals are part of the council’s rail strategy, which seeks to enhance Rochdale’s abundant transport links by creating new homes and employment space, alongside improved public realm, around the borough’s five railway stations.

An SPD has already been adopted for Rochdale station, with the council hoping to create a brand new public square in front of the train station, enhanced park and ride provision and new employment and housing in the area.

You can view and read the rail strategy here.