POOR PLANNING
Shawclough residents ignored as development approved!
Residents of a quiet Shawclough street have been left bitterly disappointed after Rochdale Council approved a controversial planning application , despite 39 formal objections and widespread concern over safety, access, and lack of transparency.
The application — to build two detached homes on a raised, landlocked plot — was granted subject to conditions, but residents say this outcome fails to address the long-standing issues with the site. These include:
- Lack of proper access to the land, which sits at a higher elevation than surrounding bungalows.
- Increased risk to privacy and safety for neighbouring homes.
- The ignoring of a public footpath and disruption to local wildlife.
- Inadequate road infrastructure, with a narrow street and no turning area.
Since the application was first submitted residents have experienced a complete breakdown in communication from the planning department. Numerous attempts to contact the council — via emails, phone calls, and hand-delivered letters — were met with silence.
Despite the deadline for objections closing in February 2024, no updates were provided for months. Then, with just four working days’ notice, residents were informed that the application was due to be discussed at a planning meeting in early September — providing them virtually no time to prepare a response.
Adding to community frustration, none of the elected local councillors for the area agreed to speak on behalf of residents, forcing them to rely on a former councillor,to raise their concerns.
One resident shared:
“It’s heartbreaking. We’ve been patient, respectful, and tried every avenue. To be dismissed like this — with no representation, no transparency, and no regard for the 39 objections — is a slap in the face to our community.”
“As a campaigner for better local accountability,” Andy Lord said; “I will continue to push for transparency, representation, and reform - so that residents' voices are not just heard, but respected.”
