The Middleton Township Committee meeting on 13 June 2024 covered several significant topics, including updates on the Middleton Masterplan, a presentation from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, and discussions on school place planning and traffic orders. Key decisions were made regarding traffic amendments in the Durnford Street area.

Middleton Masterplan Update

The Assistant Director for Economy provided an update on the Middleton Masterplan, highlighting several key developments:

• Traffic modelling for proposed schemes is underway.
• A draft Supplementary Planning Document for the eastern side of the masterplan area will be developed over the summer.
• Enforcement powers are being considered for issues on Long Street.
• Transport for Greater Manchester is examining traffic signalisation.
• Planning applications for Lodge Mill, Parkfield House, and Warwick Mill are at various stages.
• Historic England is holding ‘drop-in’ sessions at Middleton Library on 17 and 21 February to discuss a Heritage Trail.

Concerns were raised about bus lanes contributing to traffic issues, the need for wider public consultation, and the poor state of some Edgar Wood buildings.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing - Presentation

A representative from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) presented updates on the organisation’s leadership structure, recovery plan, and plans for 2024. Key points included:

• A new email address for MPs and Councillors’ enquiries, with a 24-hour response time.
• Progress on the recovery plan, including improvements to governance and customer representation.
• Plans for 2024, focusing on investing in housing stock and engaging with customers.

Questions from the committee and public addressed issues such as mould and damp in properties, costs of rebranding, grounds maintenance, and the shortage of social housing.

Objection to Proposed Traffic Order, Waiting Amendments, Durnford Street Area, Middleton

The committee considered a report on localised parking amendments in the Durnford Street area. The proposed scheme aimed to amend waiting restrictions to reflect current operational requirements. Two written representations were received, one favouring a reduction and the other supporting an extension of the proposed restrictions.

The committee resolved to approve the advertised scheme and authorised the Assistant Director (Legal and Governance) to progress the implementation. The decision was made to ensure the highways operate safely and efficiently for all road users.

Need for Primary and Secondary School Places 2024-2028

The committee reviewed a report from the Director of Children’s Services on the need for primary and secondary school places from 2024 to 2028. The council has a statutory duty to provide education and school places for all school-aged children in the borough. The report had already been approved by the Cabinet on 19 December 2023.

Discussions included how school place calculations are done, the impact on families with children in different schools, infrastructure considerations for new housing developments, and the costs of educating children outside the borough.

The committee noted the report on the need for school places.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the public reports pack and the minutes of the meeting.