The transformation of a former restaurant into a six-home development that fire engines would ‘struggle to get to’ has been approved in Heywood. Rochdale Council’s Planning Committee believed changing the use of the historic Crimble Restaurant building was acceptable despite councillors’ concerns regarding green belt encroachment and the fact it does not meet fire service requirements, Number One Riverside heard on October 20.
The dwellings, designed to be larger, higher value family homes would be accessed by Crimble Lane, which Coun Peter Malcolm, who was formerly in the fire service, was not convinced would fit a fire engine comfortably. This was a concern for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as well who recommended a sprinkler system to allow longer response times - this was not made mandatory by the planning team despite the applicant saying they would oblige.
“I do not think a fire engine would get up there,” Coun Malcolm said.
