Old mill and former dye works to be transformed into nearly 250 new homes

Nearly 250 homes will be built in two nearby neighbourhoods after developments were approved.

Areas in Heywood and Birtle will see hundreds of new houses constructed.

Crimble Mill in Heywood will be transformed into new complex of 214 homes – with retail and leisure facilities.

The upper floors of the Grade-II listed building will house 33 apartments. 

The lower levels will house shops, restaurants, gyms and offices. 

The five-storey building, on Crimble Lane, is in a state of disrepair. 

It is thought to be the last large-scale water-powered rural mill in Greater Manchester, dating back to 1829.

Applicant Redwaters (Crimble) Ltd and Prescot Business Park Ltd will build 31 homes set out in three blocks on the northern part of the site. 

Two of the blocks will have terrace, two-and-a-half storey homes.

The third will have five larger detached two-storey homes.

The southern plot will have 150 houses of three to five bedrooms.

Neighbours raised issues about the southern element of the plan, which is on green belt land. 

Dozens gathered at a planning meeting to make their voices heard. 

Councillor Billy Sheerin said selling houses at the site could help fund the restoration of the mill.

Coun Angela Smith said she believed losing green belt land was too big a price to pay. 

Ian Brown, speaking on behalf of objectors, spoke about traffic on Crimble Lane; potential flooding; and concerns around building on old mine shafts.

The committee was assured by planning officers the development was safe. 

Councillor broadly agreeded with Coun Phil Burke, who said it was ‘a big bonus to bring the mill back to life’.

The application was approved by a vote of eight to three.

At the former Tack Lea Works on Bury and Rochdale Old Road, 32 new homes will be built.

Hall & Co Developments Limited say the 19th century dye-works in Birtle will see an overhaul inspired by the area’s agricultural past. 

Some 26 houses built, from two to five bedrooms, along with a block of six two- bedroom flats.

Houses will have two parking spaces.

The apartments will have one, with a four bays for visitors.

Objector Alex Richardson highlighted an apparent lack of amenities nearby, such as GP surgeries and shops, adding: “This defies common sense and logic. 

"We have come here to make sure common sense prevails.”

Coun Burke moved the application for approval, but praised objectors for ‘fighting for their community’. 

Before construction can start on both developments, the Secretary of State will need to approve both sets of proposals as they form part of the Places for Everyone plan, which sets out where 165,000 new homes will be built across Greater Manchester by 2037.

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