A Coronation Street legend’s home is at the centre of a planning row, with fans worried it could be used to house illegal migrants. The £1.5million mansion, located in Heywood, Greater Manchester, belonged to ITV Corrie star Julie Goodyear until it was put up for sale in 2024, after the Bet Lynch actress was diagnosed with dementia.

18 months later, the home is involved in a furious row, with locals fretting that work currently going on at the property goes against planning permissions. Others have raised concerns that the house could be used to house illegal migrants, as details suggested the home’s owners plan to turn it into a house of multiple occupancy.

Plans were submitted to Rochdale Council in 2025, but later rescinded – with plans for a 15-bedroom B&B being submitted in their place. However, permission hadn’t been granted when a fresh application was sent in 2026.

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Now plans show the owners’ intention to create 10 two-bed apartments, with the barn already located on the property set to be turned into a three-bedroom house.

Protests have taken place at the site over the weekend, with at least 100 people in attendance, worried that the HMO could house illegal migrants. The demonstration was attended by police and security guards, with flares let off as England flags were raised in the air.

According to The Sun, work has started on the property before planning permission has been granted, with a source telling the publication: “It is such a crying shame that Julie’s truly unique house has found itself at the centre of a local war.

“Julie absolutely cherished her time at the property – especially before she sadly became unwell.”

They added: “The mansion was quintessentially Julie and she spent years making it her dream house adorned with Bet Lynch-esque wallpaper and decorations.

“She would be heartbroken to hear that following her decision to sell it has become something of a local nightmare."

Express.co.uk has contacted Rochdale Council for comment.