Landscape under the microscope

A DETAILED landscape assessment of Oldham and the surrounding areas has been completed.

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) report classifies rural parts of Oldham into seven areas based on their natural and cultural features.

It lists the wealth of diversity and recognises the importance of the Pennine moorland, and the contrast between the wild uplands and the urban areas.

It also highlights the importance of protecting and enhancing the landscape, along with measures to reinvigorate the economy.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Mohib Uddin, said: “Oldham’s landscape is very important to our quality of life and our local economy.

“Our working environment continues to change. To know how to manage that change we need to understand what the landscape is like today and how it might be affected by forces like climate change, new development and new policies being introduced.

“The landscape assessment will help us to decide how to manage the landscape.”

Residents are invited to comment on the Landscape Character Assessment before January 9.

It can be viewed on the council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/living/planbuildmatters/planning-lds/evidence-base/landscape-character-assessment.htm 

Alternatively, it can be viewed at public libraries, at the Oldham Business Centre or at the civic centre (level 12 planning reception or the One-Stop Shop).