A storm is brewing over a bid to demolish the Victorian building in Timperley where cult comedian Frank Sidebottom ran a recording studio. Plans have been submitted for five luxury homes on the site of the Riddings Community Centre on Park Road.
Liberal Democrat councillors are now set to ‘call in’ the proposals, meaning a government planning inspector may scrutinise the plan at a public inquiry. Sidebottom, who famously donned a paper mache head, was the creation of Chris Sievey who had fronted the band The Freshies in the late 1970s and early 80s.
He frequently appeared alongside the rising bands of the 1990s during Manchester's golden musical era and on Radio 1 and Radio 5, with Mark and Lard. Sievey died in 2010, aged 54. The building has also housed a community library.
The applicant is PIC (Park Road) Ltd whose directors are Arman Chohan and David Strettle, based at Hale Road in Altrincham. So far there have been 10 objections to the plan from residents of neighbouring properties.
Meanwhile, Lib Dem members representing Timperley, councillors Jane Brophy, Meena Minnis and Will Frass have objected strongly to the plan. Speaking after a residents' meeting where people voiced their anger towards the council’s plans for the centre, Coun Brophy said, said: “The [Labour controlled] council has shown just how little they really care when it comes to Timperley.
“It’s completely inappropriate for Riddings Community Centre to be redeveloped without any community space included in the plans. Timperley residents are furious because the council just hasn’t shown any interest in its local history and the need for places in our communities where people can come together.”
She said that Riddings had been home to community groups, from toddlers playgroups, to children’s tuition and video clubs ‘for decades’. Coun Brophy continued: “Community centres are an indispensable asset which add huge social value to our neighbourhoods.
"We will campaign relentlessly to overturn these plans and ensure that the site remains home to a true community hub for future generations. It’s time for Trafford Council to start listening to communities.”
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “We want the present building to continue to exist as a valuable community hub. The demand for provision for local people is considerable despite the allegedly low reported demand, rumoured to be due to onside obstacles.
“We have attended children’s parties there. We would have thought that a Labour-run council would have community support in its DNA.” Another neighbour wrote anonymously: “Park Road is already a very busy road and the junction to exit Meadow Bank [nearby] can be very difficult to negotiate safely, particularly during peak times.”
They pointed out that there are already another five properties being developed at the next-door site, with ‘no consideration for the impact on traffic in the local area’. “The proposed site was previously a local library which was the site for a number of community groups and activity,” they continued.
“By replacing this with residential development, it will have an adverse impact on the local community. Timperley is already a densely populated area…and there have been no improvements to local infrastructure, including transport and amenities.”
Another said: “It is time the council keep some of the old heritage buildings and stopped losing all of the character in the Timperley area. I strongly object to this application.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "This is a live planning application and all representations received will be taken into account by the planning committee in due course."
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