Public consultation launches on huge Places for Everyone scheme
Reporter: Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter
Date published: 05 July 2025
The Broadbent Moss / Beal Valley plans. Image courtesy of Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, Wain Homes and The Casey Group
Oldhamers are being asked for their thoughts on a plan to build 1,500 homes on the greenbelt.
The Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley project, near Shaw, would see properties constructed on three green spaces next to Oldham Road and Ripponden Road over 15 years.
The plans – by developers Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, Wain Homes and The Casey Group – also include creating a new town centre and extending Higginshaw business park by 21,000 sq m.
The proposal is a part of Places for Everyone (PfE) – the Greater Manchester housing scheme aiming to bring 11,500 new homes to Oldham.
PfE has long been a contentious issue in the borough, sparking protests by greenbelt campaigners and heated debates at Oldham’s townhall.
Earlier this year, the government turned down a request for Oldham to leave the scheme and abandon the Broadbent Moss/Beal Valley project after councillors narrowly voted to go back on the agreement.
Now developers are looking to move ahead with the scheme.
The 1,500 homes would be a mix one and two-bed apartments; two to five bedroom homes; homes designed for older people.
The plans also include pledges for a new school or school funding; support for a new local tram stop at Cop Road; and a proportion of affordable housing.
A vision statement reads: “The Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss new urban fringe shall create new gateways into Oldham from Rochale, the Pennines and the Peak District.
“These interconnected new neighbourhoods shall provide high quality homes and living environments for families, couples and individuals in which to live and interact.
"Each neighbourhood will have its own identity which will be focussed around a strong and vibrant public realm and a green space network.
“These new neighbourhoods shall create homes for both people and nature, living side by side in a shared environment.”
Members of the public have been invited to share their thoughts on the plans in a public consultation.
The developers will be holding public meetings on Friday, July 11 at St. Thomas’ Moorside Community and Monday, July 14 at St. Anne’s Rugby Club in Higginshaw.
Residents can also share their thoughts online.
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