Green dream

Andrew Hurley and dog Charlie on Andrew’s land in Greenfield — on which he wants to build an earth-sheltered eco-house

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

AMBITIOUS plans for an earth-sheltered eco-home, cut into the hillside on land off Huddersfield Road, Greenfield, will set the tone for Oldham’s sustainable future.

The Hurley house, named after applicant Andrew Hurley, will minimise emissions, reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable living.

The Shadworth Lane project will be buried, built from compressed tyres and straw bales and use sunlight for energy.

Mr Hurley revealed: “This is something we are doing for all the right reasons. I’m by no means a super-green but I would love to live in an eco-home.

“It’s unobtrusive and more and more people should be doing this kind of thing. We held an open day to get members of the community involved and gauge their opinion. We were happy to find that there was a good level of support.”

The project will use local materials and blend with the landscape. Rainwater harvesting and heat-pumps will heat and cool the home, and other advanced technology will be used inside.

Chairman of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, Mike Rooke said he would pledge his support.

“I have invited the architect to our meeting later this month to discuss it. I’m intrigued by the project and will probably be inclined to support it. I’m broadly very supportive of eco-projects and this has certainly got us thinking.”

Oldham Council planning committee is due to make a decision in January.