Anti-migrant protesters target Coronation Street legend’s old home over false rumours
The former home of Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear has been targeted by anti-immigrant protesters after false rumors spread that it would be used to house immigrants.
The actor, who played soap legend Bet Lynch, sold his £1.5 million mansion in Heywood, Greater Manchester, in 2025. Various planning applications have since been submitted for the property.
Demonstrators gathered outside Primrose Hill Farm at the weekend after claims emerged that the house would be converted into a multiple dwelling unit (HMO).
Building work began on the property without any planning permission and neighbors were concerned the house could be used to house illegal immigrants.
However, Rochdale Council said no formal plans to host the migrants had been submitted and construction work had now been halted.
In October, an application was submitted to the council for a 15-bed HMO, which was changed to a 15-room bed and breakfast in November. BBC reported. These building control plans were changed again in February, creating 10 two-bedroom flats. The barn would be converted into a three-bedroom house.
However, the council deemed the application invalid because it lacked sufficient detail and was not published on the council’s planning portal.
As a result, there were no plans to accommodate immigrants on the site published on the municipality’s website.
After work began on the property without planning permission, misinformation spread and led to protests.
Rochdale council said it issued a temporary stoppage notice on February 20 and the developer complied with it.
A spokesman for Rochdale Council said: “The contact submitted a planning application to us a few weeks ago, but this application was for nine dwellings, not an HMO.” Independent.
“This application was not valid, so it is not listed on our website, as are all invalid applications. An invalid application is one where the applicant has not provided sufficient information to enable authorities to recommend whether the application should be approved or not.
“Following reports to us that construction was taking place without planning permission, we issued a temporary stop notice. This stop notice remains in force and our enforcement team are making regular visits to the site and speaking to residents of neighboring properties to ensure the individual concerned complies with this temporary stop notice.”
Independent Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.
