Rochdale Council Scraps Redevelopment Plans for Former Gas Works Site in Littleborough

Rochdale Borough Council has officially confirmed that it will no longer pursue redevelopment plans for the council-owned land off Hare Hill Road. The site, a former gas works bounded by Hare Hill Road, Boundary Street, and Pembroke Street, has been removed from the Council's list of proposed sites for development following recent ground investigations.

The decision follows a ground investigation completed in early 2024, originally intended to explore redevelopment options. However, the focus has now shifted entirely to ensuring the site does not pose a risk to public health.

The Council stated that initial findings identified potential contamination below the surface in certain areas. These findings have been reviewed by the Environment Agency and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, both of which agreed that further investigation is necessary to understand the distribution of contaminants and explore remediation options.

To ensure public safety, the site will remain closed as a "precautionary measure". The Council acknowledged that previous attempts to prevent access were not always successful and has announced plans to better secure portions of the site that may pose a risk.

Contractors are scheduled to be on-site in January/February 2026 to improve security fencing and a  new phase of detailed ground investigations is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

The Council noted that this timeline is necessary to secure specialist contractors and conduct a thorough investigation. Future works will utilize "less intrusive methods" to minimize disturbance to the ground.

Addressing concerns from residents living nearby, the Council emphasized that the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk. The letter stated there is currently "no information to suggest there is a risk to anyone who has previously used the site for recreation purposes".

Officials also provided context regarding the substances found, noting that exposure to similar contaminants often occurs in daily life through vehicle exhausts, smoking, and even common foods like coffee and cooked food.

While the land will not be developed, the Council expressed its intention to keep the site as a green space for the public. "At present, it is considered that the site should remain an important park for the local community to enjoy".

Residents with questions can contact the Council's environmental health team at 0300 303 8871 or via email at environmental.health2@rochdale.gov.uk.