House plan set for refusal

AN outline plan for 13 houses in Coldhurst has been recommended for refusal at this week’s Oldham Planning Committee.

The application is for four three-bedroom and nine two-bedroom properties on a disused allotment site off Craven Street.

But the planning officers have recommended the plan is rejected on the grounds that it will result in the development of a greenfield site which is less favourable than other previously developed sites and is contrary to the council’s unitary development plan.

However, the developers’ agent has submitted a supporting statement responding to the planning officers concerns.

It argues that the greenfield site has not been in use as an allotment for a number of years and is now overgrown, of poor quality and in private ownership.

The plan has also attracted seven letters of objection from near-by residents and one letter of support from Coldhurst councillor Jilad Miah.

Some of the neighbours’ concerns are that the houses would encroach upon the privacy of properties on Shadowbrook Close.

Health and safety concerns regarding drilling and stability of the land have also been raised.

A retaining wall currently holds back the existing land and it is felt that this would not support the weight of new houses.

The planning meeting takes place at the Crompton Suite, Civic Centre, tomorrow, from 6pm.