Mill plans cut no ice with councillors

CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand Lilac and Briar Mill were back on the agenda but found no favour with councillors.

Only last month the committee recorded its objections to Fulfilment Logistics’ proposals to build a large warehouse and three-storey car park at the Beal Lane base.

The development reared its head again after owners JD Williams submitted a justification statement, an environmental statement and visual impact statement that were previously unavailable.

But members were not swayed and chose not to comment, letting their previous conclusions portray their feelings.

They state the warehouse is too tall and disproportionate to existing buildings, will block out light at neighbouring properties during the day while flooding them with artificial light throughout the night, and the car park access will cause traffic problems.

The proposals have produced an outcry in Shaw and were rejected by Oldham Council after a campaign by residents.

Designs for a 53 metre high warehouse, that would have been only eight metres lower than Oldham Civic Centre and would have towered over the town, have been scrapped but a new application has been submitted that still reaches a maximum height of 39 metres.

More than 30 residents spoke out against the plans at last month’s meeting.

The mail order firm says it has outgrown the site and needs to expand to secure the jobs of the 1,000-strong workforce.