Moorside residents frustrated by local ‘eye-sore’

A neighbourhood in Oldham has been turned into an ‘eye-sore’ and a ‘dumping ground’ after a landowner started storing abandoned caravans and rubble on a former green space. 

Residents of Arncliffe Rise in Moorside say they feel ‘powerless’ after spending almost a year trying to get action on the site, which is attracting anti-social behaviour to the area, including suspected arson.

The plot of land is privately owned but was previously used informally as a public green and footpath. 

The caravans reportedly started appearing after a planning application submitted by Saddleworth Holdings Ltd was turned down following objections by locals.

The landowner has denied all wrong-doing and claims he has acted ‘lawfully and responsibly’.

“It looks like a dumpsite,” said one resident, who did not wish to be identified.

“I’ve lived here 25 years.

"The kids have always played on that green, it’s been used as a footpath to get from one side of the croft to the other because there aren’t any pavements.

“One of the good things about living up here was that you didn’t get any trouble. It always felt safe.

"Now that’s changed. Everyone feels paranoid and especially older people are too scared to leave the house.” 

A recent incident saw Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crew called out to a van, which caught fire in the middle of the night.

Footage from doorbell cams and residents showed the blaze. 

There are also fears the site will pose a danger to kids attempting to play with the disused caravans. 

“It’s just one big mess,” another resident said.

“It’s been eight months.

"We feel really stuck because it feels like we’ve done everything we can – reported it, emailed local councillors, MPs. 

“My husband’s emailed about 20 different people.

"And it feels like nothing’s been done. We feel powerless.” 

The issue reportedly first started after a planning application to build eight houses on the small plot of land was rejected by town planners.

The proposal received 65 objections from local residents, and officers decided the application would cause ‘unjustified harm to the visual amenity of the street scene’ and highways issues.

Several other applications on the site have also been rejected on similar grounds. 

After signs of deterioration on the land, the council issued the owner with a Section 215 Notice earlier this year, an enforcement order demanding the removal of the caravans, rubble, and outdated ‘for sale’ signs.

According to the local authority, the landowner ‘did not initially comply, and so a prosecution was lodged with the courts’. 

But the case has ground to a standstill after the landowner claimed he had lodged an appeal with the court – a process that can take years.

The council is still awaiting confirmation of the appeal by the court. 

The landowner has since removed some of the debris from the land, but the caravans still remain. 

Councillor Josh Charters said: “I fully understand and share the concerns of residents in Moorside regarding the condition of this land.

"It is deeply regrettable that the site has been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent. 

“Council officers have made repeated efforts to engage constructively with the landowner in the hope of identifying a solution that benefits the community.

"I would once again urge the landowner to take up the council’s offer to work collaboratively with both officers and residents to find a positive way forward.” 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reached out to the landowner and developer for a right of reply.

Sophie Hartwell, a spokesperson for the firm, said: “Saddleworth Holdings Ltd has acted lawfully and responsibly in managing the Arncliffe Rise site.

"The land is privately owned, securely fenced, and regularly inspected to ensure it meets all environmental and safety standards.

“Allegations of neglect or anti-social behaviour are incorrect and not supported by any verified inspection reports or formal findings.

"The company has worked cooperatively with Oldham Council and other agencies, addressing every concern through the correct legal channels.

“A review of the Council’s handling of this matter is now underway through the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, and we are confident that process will confirm the company’s full compliance and professionalism.”

The landowner has lodged a new planning proposal to bring two detached bungalows and a community green space to the site.

Local residents are strongly opposed to the application, which is awaiting a decision by town planners.

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