Football pitches go into extra time

Oldham Planning Committee

PLANS to transform abandoned land into football pitches have been put off by Oldham planning committee.

Councillors want more information about the proposed development of three sports pitches, a clubhouse, car park and fencing on fields behind Higher Lime Road.

Information regarding draining, car-parking facilities, what the clubhouse will be used for and operating hours has been requested, and some residents have raised objections.


AN application to install a 6ft-high wire mesh fence around a communal garden at Old Mill House in Springhead will go ahead. The application by the sheltered residential facility on Old Mill Lane would create a secure space for outdoor activities for residents.


COUNCILLORS praised officers after an agreement was made for developers at two sites in Limeside to provide contributions totalling £150,000 for public open space provisions meaning work can now start.

The applications, which include plans for 66 new homes at land off Rowan Tree Road and 69 new homes at land at Whitebank Road, were originally approved last December.

Contributions have been reduced from the original amount of £396,479 in total for both sites - the result of differences in building costs and likely sales value.

The change reflects national planning guidance, which says local authorities must be flexible when negotiating over new developments.