Housing Development (Rode)

 interesting place, residential neighbourhood

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This 1990s era residential housing estate sits on the site of the Rode Brewery.

Fussell's Brewery was the major employer in Rode for many years, and after brewing ceased, the site continued to operate as a bottling / distribution plant as part of the Bass Charrington Group up until the 1970s.

The site gradually fell into dis-repair and became a real eyesore in the heart of this characterful village, as alternative employment uses or a mixed-use scheme were sought.
Meanwhile, as the 20th C progressed, Rode increasingly became a dormitory village, losing its 'self-sufficiency' in terms of a range of small shops, places of work, and associated social life.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the former brewery site became the focus of attention of developers, lying in the centre of this self-contained and tranquil village setting - particularly as it lies off any through road. Eventually, the pressures increased and the site was re-developed as a housing scheme geared to commuters in the 1990s.