Views sought from Diggle residents on housing development plans

A plan to build more than new 70 houses on Huddersfield Road in Diggle has led two councillors to urge locals for their views.

The move comes after Saddleworth parish councillors and ward councillors were invited to a virtual meeting where developers agreed to a consultation with residents before an application is submitted to Oldham council.

Councillor Pam Byrne sits on Saddleworth Parish council planning committee and Councillor Garth Harkness is a representative on Oldham council planning committee.

It is understood the developers will be providing more details soon, but the new homes would be near the new multi-million pound Saddleworth School, where building is already underway.

The land - in front of the new school - is currently designated for Industrial use, but developers want to change this to housing.

In a joint statement, the two councillors said: “As Ward Councillors for Saddleworth North we attended a meeting with the company who wish to consider an application for housing in Diggle.

“This was also attended by a number of parish councillors. 

"It is not uncommon for a developer to provide initial information before a planning application to elected members before submission of an application.

“This is a private development and land is owned privately and not by Oldham Council.

"The land has been designated for industrial use for a number of years. 

“The land in question is either side of the access road in front of where the new Saddleworth School will be.

"Currently no planning application has been submitted.

“Following the meeting the developers agreed to consult with residents before they submit a planning application.

"Further details should emerge from them soon.

“Following a planning application there will also be the formal consultation period.

“As Ward councillors, we are concerned there was a lack of understanding from the developer about Diggle and that a wider consultation period before an application is submitted should take place.

“The current climate makes obtaining views more difficult and therefore every step needs to be taken to ensure that any consultation is as inclusive as possible.

“We have written to the Head of Planning at Oldham council to express our concerns and to put pressure on the developer.

“If following this an application is submitted to Oldham council there will be a consultation period where residents views can again be submitted.

“The application will be heard by Saddleworth Parish council first and then Oldham Council planning committee.

“We want considerable consultation and in the event of a planning application please let us know your views,” the statement concludes.

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