Round two to the planners

Photo: Vincent Brown

DELIBERATIONS . . . planning chairman Steven Bashforth

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CONTROVERSIAL plans for the new £19.2 million Saddleworth School in Diggle have been given the go-ahead for the second time — and campaigners have again vowed to continue the fight.

Oldham’s planning committee originally approved the proposals on February 25 despite claims it was acting unlawfully because insufficient weight had been given to the impact on listed buildings at the site.

Following legal advice, the council decided to reconsider the plans to prevent the possibility of a judicial review forced by campaigners who want the school to be rebuilt on its current site in Uppermill.

But last night councillors again voted to demolish buildings on the former WH Shaw pallet works in Huddersfield Road and build a 1,500-place secondary. They also approved traffic measures and the demolition of a link bridge - part of a Grade II listed office building - which will remain, as will the clock tower.

Solicitors for Save Diggle Action Group yesterday submitted a letter to the council saying the recommendations by the council’s head of planning to approve the applications were “legally flawed” - a claim dismissed by the borough solicitor.

Mark Brooks, who spoke on behalf of the objectors, claimed the council would be acting unlawfully if the plans were approved, with concerns over green belt and heritage buildings impact.

“The option to build the school on the existing school playing fields would cause minimal disruption to the running of the school and the education of pupils,” he said.

But committee chairman Councillor Steven Bashforth said that, while everything could be challenged, there was nothing illegal about the plans under consideration.

The current school’s head teacher, Matthew Milburn, told the committee the school was more than just a building — it was a huge investment in the community of Saddleworth.

He conceded there was no perfect site, but added: “Though the school could be built on the existing site, having taken everything into account, the Education Funding Agency, Oldham Council and the school governors are resolutely of the view that the best site is Diggle.”

Mr Milburn added: “The scheme is significantly better than it was, thanks to consultation with local people. The vast majority of parents I speak to ask when are we going to get this new school. Most of them are exasperated by delays, many by the politics. They want us to get on with it.”

After the meeting, parish councillor Keith Lucas from Save Diggle Action Group said the decision was inevitable, and confirmed legal action would be taken so the council has been asked not to do any demolition in the meantime.