A 100-strong protest erupted at the former home of a Coronation Street star over the weekend amid concerns the property might be converted into an HMO to house illegal migrants.
The £1.5million mansion which used to belong to actress Julie Goodyear was put on the market in Heywood, Greater Manchester, in 2024 after she received a dementia diagnosis.
Ms Goodyear, now 83, played Bet Lynch on the iconic soap opera for over 25 years.
Her former residence spans 15 acres and includes four bedrooms, a gated cobblestone entrance, 16 stables, and a substantial barn.
Planning applications for the site have undergone several changes since early 2025.
Initial proposals sought to transform the entire property, including its out-buildings, into a large HMO (house in multiple occupation).
These plans were subsequently amended to a 15-bedroom bed and breakfast scheme.
But the most recent application, submitted last month, proposes converting the stables into 10 two-bedroom flats and the barn into a three-bedroom dwelling.
Ms Goodyear, now 83, portrayed the iconic character Bet Lynch on the soap opera for over 25 years
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Locals have grown suspicious after construction and demolition activity began at the site without planning approval.
Protesters arrived carrying signs and St George’s flags – and encountered both police officers and private security personnel upon their arrival.
Jamie Thomason, 47, who led the demonstration, 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.
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‘We are not having an HMO filled with illegal immigrants,’ one local resident fumed
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“I’ll do whatever I can to stop it. We’ll protest outside every week if we have to,” he added.
Despite the local fury, no evidence exists within the submitted plans indicating who would occupy the properties should they receive approval.
Rochdale Council has insisted that the current proposals are “not for an HMO”.
A council spokesman confirmed awareness of building work at the location and said officials had made regular visits attempting to halt the premature construction.
Rochdale Council has insisted that the current proposals are ‘not for an HMO’
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A source described the situation as a “crying shame” that the television star’s residence had become the focus of a “local war”.
The insider noted that Ms Goodyear had devoted years to creating her “dream home” and had furnished it in “Bet Lynch-style”.
The property’s future remains uncertain as planning decisions are awaited and community opposition continues to mount.
As of August 2025, there are nine hotels currently being used by the Home Office to house illegal migrants across Greater Manchester.
