Rock Nook, LittleboroughConservation Area

ROCHDALE METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Rock Nook, Littleborough Conservation Area

Rock Nook is an exciting and spectacular place where mills, cottages, locks, tunnels andbridges are set in a striking moorland valley. Communications are so affected by thelandscape that at Rock Nook Mill, a total of six linear routes and the River Roche, aredramatically squeezed together. Side-by-side lie Todmorden Road, Lancashire andYorkshire Railway, Rochdale Canal, Lightowlers Lane, the lane to Sladen Fold and theCanal Drain.

Rock Nook has a wild and untamed character. It was created by navigators andquarrymen toiling at the very edge of nineteenth-century civilization. The dramaticcountryside and industrial heritage today attract walkers and those who enjoy historyand natural beauty. The canalside is particularly interesting as mills and sheds frame along flight of locks. Though the quarries and clay pits are no longer worked,manufacturing continues in the mill buildings.

Rock Nook Mill, Sladen Wood Mill and Green Vale Mill were built by Fothergill andHarvey, a company that has dominated Rock Nook for more than a century. Theowners were unusual in that they created attractive gardens around their mills andplanted trees to soften the harsh landscape. At Timbercliffe, they built pioneeringconcrete houses for their workers.

More information on the Rock Nook, Littleborough Conservation Area can be obtained from the Development Control Service (see back page for details).

What is a Conservation Area?

An area of historic or architectural interest can be made a Conservation Area to preserveor enhance its character and appearance. This protects the historic buildings, gardens,trees, spaces and views that make it “special". The familiar and cherished scene can thenbe passed on to future generations, unspoilt by unsympathetic development ordemolition.

Thus Conservation Areas should be treated with respect to prevent their qualities beingeroded. Over time, small harmful alterations can disfigure a beautiful place and "out ofcharacter" modern buildings can spoil the historic patina. Losing attractive andinteresting features such as iron railings, sash windows, chimney stacks and old shopfronts can damage the beauty and sense of place. The opposite is also true andreintroducing these features, conserving buildings, gardens and trees can improve theappearance of a Conservation Area. The Council controls the demolition of buildingsand the cutting down of trees and tries to ensure that any new development "fits in".

If you plan to demolish or alter a building, wall or feature or are considering a sign oradvertisement, please contact the Development Control Service for advice and to check whether permission is needed. Shops and businesses should be aware that planningpermission is needed to install new windows, shop fronts, doors and roller shutters inthe majority of situations. External roller shutter boxes and upvc windows and doorsare rarely appropriate and unauthorized installations may to lead to enforcement action.Planning permission is not needed to alter windows and doors in houses, however.

This leaflet gives outline information only. For further advice or a detailedplan, please contact the Development Control Service on 01706 924312. Alternatively, you can write to:

Planning & Regulation ServicesConservation & Design Officer,Development Control Service,PO Box 32, Telegraph House,Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16development.control@rochdale.gov.uk