A local councillor has issued a furious denial in response to reports from residents suggesting that the former home of Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear could be used to house illegal migrants. Protesters in Heywood, Greater Manchester, have become convinced that the ex-soap actress's property is set to accommodate migrants, leading to demonstrations outside the residence in opposition.
Claims Dismissed as Disinformation
However, Rochdale councillor Paul O'Neill has categorically denied these claims, labelling them as 'disinformation' spread by a local group. He emphasised that there is no planning permission for the property and that all building work has ceased. Councillor O'Neill told BBC News: 'We have to stop this disinformation.'
Property Details and Planning History
The sprawling four-bedroom property, which features a gated cobbled driveway, sixteen stables, and a large barn set over fifteen acres of land, has been at the centre of planning disputes. At the beginning of 2025, plans were submitted to convert the extensive property, including the barn and stables, into a large house in multiple occupation (HMO). These proposals were later revised to create a fifteen-bedroom bed and breakfast establishment.
Locals grew concerned after construction work commenced at the property before planning permission had been granted, leading to fears that the site was being prepared to house illegal migrants. The last official request for planning permission at Primrose Hill Farm was made by Julie Goodyear herself in 2006, but a building control application was submitted last year before being revised.
Council Intervention and Protests
Work had begun at the property, but Rochdale Council issued a temporary stop notice on February 20. It has now been confirmed that the developer has complied with this order. Despite this, a local group believed the building work indicated that illegal migrants could be housed at the site, prompting a protest over the weekend with approximately one hundred people in attendance.
Demonstrators arrived with signs and England flags and were met by both police officers and private security guards. They vowed to continue protesting on a weekly basis. Protest leader Jamie Thomason, aged 47, told The Oldham Times: 'We're here because we're not having an HMO filled with illegal immigrants running around. It's just going to be absolutely horrible having that in the neighbourhood and I am not prepared to let it happen, not a chance. I'll do whatever I can to stop it.' He added: 'We'll protest outside every week if we have to.'
Council Statement and Current Status
A spokesperson for Rochdale Council provided clarification to BBC News: 'The individual concerned did submit a planning application to us some weeks ago, but this application was for nine dwellings, not an HMO. This application wasn't valid, so is not listed on our website, as would be the case with any invalid application. An invalid application is one where the applicant hasn't submitted enough information to enable officers to make a recommendation on whether the application should be approved.'
Regarding the reported unauthorised building work, the council spokesperson stated: 'The temporary stop notice remains in place and our enforcement team are making regular visits to the site and speaking to residents in neighbouring properties to ensure that the individual concerned is complying with this temporary stop notice.'
There is currently no evidence within the planning proposals about who would occupy the properties if approval were granted. The stunning property was listed for sale shortly after it was revealed that the former actress, Julie Goodyear, had been diagnosed with dementia. The eighty-three-year-old actress portrayed Bet Lynch in Coronation Street for more than twenty-five years.
