Middleton: Beloved grassland granted protected status

The wild grassland in the heart of the Langley estate in Middleton is a well-loved community space for locals.

But it faced jeopardy last year when Big Help Langley Development CIC (Community Interest Company) tabled a plan to build 30 new homes there.

Neighbours surrounding what they call "the Ponderosa" were left outraged, claiming the plan would take away their last bit of green space.

Residents were relieved when the plan of eight homes and three apartment blocks of 22 flats was formally withdrawn by the developers in March.

Campaigners – The Friends of Borrowdale Park – say the parcel of land is actually a nature spot used by dog walkers, children playing as well as big charity events that have raised thousands for good causes.

Children playing in the trees in the Ponderosa (Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service)

The group has successfully applied to register the field as an asset of community value, which will protect it for five years from development.

The group will now have the right to bid for the land in the event of it being put up for sale, according to Rochdale Council’s website.

The Ponderosa in Langley (Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service)

A spokesperson from the Friends of Borrowdale Park said: “To be perfectly honest we were surprised that Rochdale Council agreed to list Borrowdale Park as a community asset.

"It is to their credit that they have done so and we thank them for this.

“When legal services at RBC sent me the email on Thursday I was reluctant to open it at first fearing a negative response.

"We will continue to have small scale community events like the Easter egg hunt and sporting activities for the children.

“We have public liability insurance and experience of running events here and if an events licence were to be applied for, well who knows, Langley’s answer to Glastonbury maybe.

“This has seen step one completed, stage two is to liaise with the council and seek removal of the draft development plan then finally move to the third phase which is apply once more for village green status. 

“We have always accepted the increasing demand for social housing due to the burgeoning local population but there has to be some balance and by leaving a few green spaces in between the ever encroaching development of the land then at least that allows both humans and the wildlife a safe haven.”