Royal stamp of approval for Rawtenstall

The UK’s leading planning body toured Rawtenstall’s award-winning town centre developments.

Two senior members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) visited the McDonald’s drive thru restaurant and Spinning Point.

Rossendale Council won the best practice award at the 2017 RTPI North West Awards for Planning Excellence for the McDonald’s development.

Despite advice given in pre-application discussions, the fast food giant originally submitted plans for its standard restaurant for the prominent site. But the council’s planning officers negotiated for seven months until McDonald’s agreed to provide a bespoke building to complement the neighbouring conservation area.

John Acres, president of the RTPI, and his colleague Bob Phillips, RTPI regional chairman, also visited the Spinning Point scheme which includes the recently-completed restoration of the former town hall and plans for a hotel, spa and housing development.

The development by RTB Partnership – a joint venture comprising Rossendale Council, Together Housing Group and Barnfield Investment Properties – won the regeneration category at last year’s RTPI regional awards.

Rossendale Council leader Alyson Barnes said:

The RTPI members were very enthusiastic about the two developments and the buzz around the town centre.

They were impressed by the feel of the place and what Rawtenstall has to offer, and really liked Bank Street with its independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

That’s no surprise as Rawtenstall and the borough are on the up. Change is taking place and while there is still some way to go, the refurbishment of the former town hall into offices for Together Housing is a tangible sign of progress on Spinning Point.

Great to show people round the Rawtenstall Town Hall development yesterday. Check out our short film… @BarnfieldCLtd pic.twitter.com/sTsz4MZhSN

— Rossendale Borough Council (@RossendaleBC) September 21, 2018