Plans for affordable retirement apartments approved

Plans for affordable retirement flats in Mossley have been given the green light despite neighbours’ concerns about lack of parking and loss of views.

Members of Tameside’s planning committee have approved plans for a warehouse on land at Nield Street and Smith Street to be demolished and redeveloped.

It would be replaced with an apartment block for the over 55s.

Plans to demolish the single storey warehouse and replace it with houses and a new public open space had been approved in 2007 but never implemented. 

The new block would be arranged in an ‘L’ shape and would be split across two and three storeys high.
It would contain 31 flats, all of which would be one-bedroom.

The applicant, Jigsaw Homes, a registered housing provider, would manage the homes which would be for ‘affordable rent’.

There had been 34 objections, five letters of support and one ‘neutral’ letter over the proposals.

Planning officer Steven Kirkham told the committee that there are issues of antisocial behaviour at the site, and evidence of fly tipping.

“The characteristics of the site are such that it meets with the definition of brownfield land,” he said.

“There is a proven need to meet demand for accommodation for the ageing population, and current demand is outstripping supply.

“The population of Tameside over the age of 65 is set to increase by 40pc up to 2035 so this proposal will help meet this growing demand.

“The comprehensive redevelopment of the site would address current environmental issues, investment and regeneration presents an opportunity to secure positive legacy for the site and neighbouring uses alike.”

However, speaking against the development, a neighbour said it would cost him views of the Brown Edge hill.

“Nield Street is already too narrow and is 3.93m wide kerb to kerb,” he said.

“The proposed parking is inadequate.

"I think that the whole concept has been badly thought out.

“The type of development, a block of flats, is not what the people of Mossley want.”

Access to the new development would come from Nield Street, where a new turning head would be built to an ‘adoptable standard’. 

There would be 23 parking spaces provided, three of which would be dedicated as disabled spaces. 

Under the proposals there would also be a ‘large’ landscaped communal garden towards the south of the building for residents.

It would also see 36 ‘mature’ trees planted.

Speaking on behalf of Jigsaw Homes, Philip Millson from the Millson Group said: “Because Jigsaw will manage this development which will be completely 100pc affordable rent, and because they will control the tenants they can manage the type of tenant that goes in and in particular whether they are car users.

“This is a substantial investment by Jigsaw on a complicated site. 

“It’s removing what was described by one supporter as a ‘dog toilet’, removing areas of antisocial behaviour, creating highly efficient, affordable homes. 

“It will free up family housing elsewhere in Mossley.”

As part of the approval, Jigsaw will also pay financial contributions through a Section 106 agreement of £19,587 towards green space and £26,036 towards highways.

The money for green spaces would be  allocated to Mossley Park and highways monies would resurface Nield Street and provide cycling and walking improvements and initiatives in the local area.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.