The application represents a significant proposed long-term investment in football, physical activity and community wellbeing across the borough, with plans designed to create new opportunities for participation in sport while also supporting the future development of Rochdale AFC.
The planning application follows an extensive pre-application consultation process, during which over 80% of respondents expressed support for the overall proposals. On specific matters, around 85% of respondents supported the need and location for the proposed scheme.
Feedback received through that process helped to inform the final proposals and provided an opportunity for the project team to consider and respond to a range of comments and concerns raised by residents and stakeholders.
It is important to note that the current planning process is separate from the previous public consultation exercise.
The application has now been formally submitted and validated, meaning members of the public have an opportunity to review the submitted plans and provide their own comments directly to Rochdale Borough Council as part of the statutory planning process.
HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY
Anyone wishing to review or comment on the application can do so through Rochdale Borough Council’s planning portal.
Application Reference: PL/2026/0738
Planning Portal: Planning Application: PL/2026/0738
To take part:
- Visit the application page using the link above.
- Review the submitted plans and supporting information.
- Select the option to comment on the application.
- Provide your own views on the proposals and any aspects of the scheme that are particularly important to you.
Members of the public are encouraged to express their views in their own words, reflecting their personal experiences, priorities and perspective on the proposed development.
What Is Being Proposed?
The Community Football & Wellbeing Hub has been designed to create a new community sporting facility at Bowlee with the potential to support football, physical activity, health, wellbeing and wider community activity.
When reviewing the application, people may wish to consider aspects of the proposals including:
- The quality and availability of local football and sporting facilities;
- Opportunities for grassroots and community football;
- Opportunities for children, young people and adults to become more physically active;
- Health and wellbeing opportunities for local residents;
- Access to facilities for community groups and programmes;
- The potential long-term community benefits of investment in sporting infrastructure;
- The relationship between the proposed facility, Rochdale AFC and the Club’s community programmes;
- The location, design and operation of the proposed development; and
- Any other matters they consider relevant to the planning application.
The Club recognises that the planning process provides an important opportunity for people to consider the proposals for themselves and make their individual views known to the Council.
Make Your Voice Heard
Rochdale AFC would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the site, grassroots sport, community facilities or the wider development of football in the borough to take the opportunity to review the application.
Supporters and community organisations are also welcome to share details of the planning application with others who may have an interest in the proposals, ensuring they have the opportunity to review the plans and make their own representations.
Whatever your perspective, this is your opportunity to have your say on the future of Bowlee.
