'The potential loss of these homes is completely unacceptable'

SIX empty blocks of flats were condemned to the wrecking ball in April, but now they have been saved from demolition.

- BY GEORGE LYTHGOE

The Lower Falinge estate in Rochdale, which was named the most deprived area in England for the fifth successive year back in 2013, has been undergoing redevelopment for years.

To make way for the latest changes, land owners Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wanted to knock down maisonette blocks named Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe, and Vaynor.

RBH believed the only affordable solution for the 126 empty homes was to demolish them and rebuild.

Before the bulldozer could come in though, a legal challenge was submitted by the Save Lower Falinge campaign group and put a halt on matters. That judicial review was conceded by Rochdale council last month - meaning the prior notification application for demolition put in by RBH was to be reassessed.

The planning team at Rochdale council have since determined that prior approval is needed and refused the application.

RBH will have to submit a more detailed demolition plan to the local authority if they want to push forward with bulldozing the site.

Campaigners, led by the last resident left in the Zedburgh block, Andy Roche, have explained how the demolition next to their homes would be a huge disruption to their lives and impact on their human rights. This latest decision from the council has left them elated.

A spokesperson for the Save Lower Falinge group said: “We are pleased that Rochdale Council have seen through Rochdale Boroughwide Housing's attempts to ‘salami slice’ development proposals in order to circumvent planning laws.