Neighbours shocked by housing go-ahead

DISBELIEF . . . Khizar Iqbal in front of the land where a three-bedroom property will be built

ANGRY residents are up in arms over plans to squeeze a house in between two rows of terrace homes.

Proposals for a four-bedroom house on Clarksfield Road, Clarksfield, were originally submitted in January 2013 and rejected following consultation. Plans were submitted again last September for a three-bedroom house - leaving a 2ft gap between the new-build and No.78 and a 10ft gap on the other side.

The new house was given the go-ahead last November without going to committee, but residents claim they found out only three weeks ago.

Khizar Iqbal (41) owns No.76 and is having it renovated to create more space for his family.

He said: “The first I heard was when the guy building the house told me three weeks ago. I’m having my house renovated and there are building supplies there and he demanded I moved them.

“I can’t believe it’s going to be built there — I have three windows facing out that way and it’s going to make those rooms as dark as a grave.

“When I submitted plans for a dormer on my home I was told I had to reduce the size because it would block people’s view. If a dormer blocks people’s view then what about a house?”

Mark Leighton at no.78 and will have a tiny 2ft gap between his property and the new build.

He said: “I’m going to have such a small gap that I won’t even be able to get a bin through or use my back gate.”

“Nearly all of the residents on the street don’t want it, but this has been ignored. We’re getting the rough end of the deal.”

Architect Nadir Khan, of DK Architects Stockport, claimed there was no right of way on the site and that they had offered to leave the gaps either side as a “good-will gesture”.

“They have had their opportunity to object. The land was sold privately to develop and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said proper procedure had been followed and the views of residents had been taken into account.