Plans proposed to turn former Clough Manor hotel into 'multi-service hub'

Elaborate plans could see a former wedding venue in Saddleworth turned into a convenience store, coffee shop, car wash, taxi stand and EV charging centre.

Sophia Hartwell from developers Saddleworthholdings Ltd has proposed a new ‘multi-service hub’ for Clough Manor, near Denshaw village. 

If approved by town planners, part of the former hotel grounds would be turned into a ‘Coffee n Cake’ cafe, shop, and taxi call point, with an outdoor seating area facing the hotel.

A self-service car wash opposite the cafe would be flanked by three parking spaces would be turned into EV charging bays, with further spaces intended as a short-stay car park. 

The hub’s operating hours would run from 7am to 10pm. 

Mrs Hartwell wrote: “This proposal represents a sustainable, high-quality enhancement to an existing commercial site. It provides essential rural services, promotes clean transport, and supports the long-term operation of W Hotel as a rural hospitality landmark.”

The plan would create eight part time jobs equivalent to four permanent positions, according to Mrs Hartwell, as well as supporting local supply chains through the purchasing of farm produce and bakery goods.

It would also improve EV infrastructure for the area, and create a new attraction for tourists and business travellers, according to the proposal.

The proposal has received one objection so far.

A neighbour raised fears about encroachment into the greenbelt, increased noise and light pollution, and road safety.

They wrote: “Although the proposal is presented as a ‘small-scale rural service hub’, the combined nature of the uses proposed represents a significant intensification of commercial roadside activity at a sensitive rural edge-of-village location.” 

Two previous proposals on the site have been rejected due to its proximity to greenbelt land.

These included plans to turn the hotel car park into a caravan site, which was turned down after Oldham Council deemed the proposal ‘an inappropriate development’.

A number of further applications are pending a decision, including a plan to turn part of the hotel into a HMO.

The proposal has been objected to by almost 100 people.

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