Contemporary design gets the thumbs down from planning committee

Date published: 20/02/2008

Councillor Ann Metcalfe failed in her attempt to persuade Rochdale Township Planning Committee to grant permission for what she called an "original, contemporary and inspiring design" for five houses to be built on the site of Bluebell Garage, 205 Bury and Rochdale Old Road.

Councillor Metcalfe told the committee the architect who has come up with the design is the award winning architect who designed the Zen Internet building and that the design is, "highly original and sustainable". She explained the design was intended to significantly reduce the need for artificial light by using a light shaft to harness sunlight.

The applicant Peter Miles asked why officers were recommending councillors refuse permission, on the grounds the development is in the greenbelt, when the houses are replacing an existing building and will have no additional impact on the greenbelt and will visually enhance the site. He also pointed out that permission was recently given in similar circumstances for the development on the site of Rainshore Mills.

Councillors, who had visited the site, voted by six to three to refuse the application.

Mr Miles told Rochdale Online after permission was refused: "I have serious concerns regarding the inconsistency between planning officer’s perception of Government guidelines; they don't appear to sing from the same hymn sheet.

"For a similar Greenbelt situation, one planning officer’s report majors on Planning Policy Statement 3, and in the case of Blue Bell Garage it is ignored.  Such a circumstance prevents the Planning committee from making a fair judgement. 

"It is only reasonable to expect that Local Authorities comply with government guidance, as applicable in Planning Policy Statement 1, in which paragraph 9 indicates that applicants have a right to a high quality service that is fast, fair, open, transparent and consistent. 

"Needless to say an Appeal will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate."