Public meeting over 700-home Rothwell development

The development to the north of the town by Persimmon Homes was given the go-ahead last week, despite a backlash from many who said it could not be able to cope.

Now a meeting has been set up on Thursday (March 2) at 7.30pm in the town’s Tresham Hall.

Pat Heald, who is Rothwell born and bred, said: “We can’t get into the health centre as it is.

“Rothwell cannot cope with 700 more houses and about 2,000 more people.

“We are proud of our town and this will add about a third on to the population. It’s just far too much.

“There’s been about 150 posts about it on a local Rothwell Facebook page, everyone is up in arms.

“I believe that we need a new school, a new health centre and new roads before this should even be considered.

“There will be a new link road but where will traffic go while that is being built?”

The objective of the meeting is to discuss, debate and formulate a town response to the plans.

But fellow resident Richard Tanner said many didn’t know until after a decision was made.

He said: “We did not know anything about this until we saw the story.

“It’s going to bring a lot of money into the town, which is great, but I am worried about how we will cope with all those people.”

David Marsden, who has lived in Rothwell for seven years, said: “I do not think anyone has properly thought it through at all.

“Why not build the other things first and take the pressure off services?

“Until we get more provisions it’s all going to be horrible.”

Speaking after planning permission was granted Duncan Shaw, director in charge for Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “We are extremely pleased by this positive result and look forward to commencing work on this new development.

“We will also be delivering the strategic link road between the A6 bypass and B576, as well as traffic improvements in the town.”