Plans for residential homes are blocked

Rod Blyth

PLANS for a new three-storey residential home in Chadderton have been prevented by Oldham Council bosses.

The 64-bed home for the elderly was blocked due to the overbearing nature of the build and its imposition on neighbouring residents.

Applicant Rochcare Ltd hopes to construct the red brick building with its two protruding wings on land formerly used for the Oakbank Centre, in Chadderton.

There were 12 councillors who voted in favour of refusing the application, none against and one abstention.

Proposals for the home were also deferred on October 19, amid concerns over congestion with the proposed 24 parking spaces.

Magnitude

They were barred again despite the applicant's pledge to provide an additional 10 car parking spaces following a review of the Chadderton Park Road site.

Objecting, resident Philip Webber said: "I feel the addition of 10 spaces will have a minimal effect. I don't think proper consideration has been given to the magnitude of the proposals.

"Residents would be able to look down into our bathroom, disabled daughter's bedroom, living room and conservatory. Surely such intrusion isn't acceptable?"

The resident proposed the plans be revised to built a two-storey development which would reduce the capacity to 56 rooms.

Under plans, there would be 32 units for dementia care and 32 units for elderly residents who require support.

Accessed via Chadderton Road, the home would have garden areas to the front and south, a car park providing 34 spaces, four motorbike spaces and 10 cycle parking spaces.

Objections about the size of the centre, parking and light restrictions have previously been lodged by residents living near the 0.5-hectare site.

Councillor Rod Blyth said: "Adding another storey concerns me.

"A 22m distance between the houses and the building seems quite close."

Councillor John Hudson said: "I think members would be happy with two storeys."

Councillor Norman Briggs proposed a vote against the plans on the grounds of the overbearing nature and height of the building, which was seconded by Councillor Shaid Mushtaq.

Applicant Rochcare Ltd previously said the development would make use of the land and deliver a valuable care facility for elderly residents which would improve health and wellbeing.