Proposal for 135 homes on unused green space

NEW homes on the way . . . land on Whitebank Road, Limeside, is one of six sites earmarked for housing

A MAJOR new development of 135 homes could soon be built in Limeside on what are currently overgrown green spaces

Property developer Keepmoat has submitted plans to build 66 homes on land off Rowan Tree Road and 69 off Whitebank Road. The scheme spreads over six separate overgrown sites, one of which has been unused since houses there were demolished a decade ago.

The plans — which can be seen on the Oldham Council website — should go before Oldham Council’s planning committee later this year.

Gareth Roberts, operations director for Keepmoat in the North-West, said: “The Limehurst Village scheme will see Keepmoat continue its investment in Oldham, building on successful schemes in Derker, North Werneth and Fitton Hill. These 135 new homes will bring a welcome housing boost to the area - a range of high-quality properties at affordable prices.”

Residents have mixed feelings about the plans, though feedback was generally positive at a consulation event earlier this year.

To allay concerns about how the building work would affect adjacent homes, contractors on site will work under the “Considerate Constructors Scheme” and ensure that any impact during this period is mitigated.

Patricia Wright, a local resident of 10 years, said: “If you look at where the houses are going to go it’s clear to see this is a good thing. The land is all overgrown and neglected and it’s time to do something with it now.”

Another householder was concerned about living opposite a building site for months - and the impact of possibly hundreds of new cars on local roads.

Keepmoat has also submitted plans to develop 33 houses on land off Saint John’s Street, Porter Street and Edward Street in Werneth.

The latest plans follow the committee’s approval for plans for 176 new houses across the borough last month.

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