Couple’s hall mighty gripe

Nick Hodgson and his wife Jane.

A Couple have launched a petition objecting to plans to extend Uppermill’s landmark civic hall.

There has already been a call for Saddleworth Parish Council to abandon the project which, if approved, would involve a 60ft high, three-storey extension.

Now physiotherapist Nick Hodgson and his wife, Jane, a florist, who live in a large end-terrace house next to the hall, are petitioning neighbours to back them.

he couple, who have two children, live in Lee Street and say the proposal would cause loss of light, privacy and amenity to their home.

And they argue the influx of more people attending functions at the hall would cause additional major parking problems for residents.

In their letter to Oldham Council planners, they say no one had submitted location plans or elevations to illustrate the proximity of the proposed development.

They also claim there has been no consultation.

Mr Hodgson said: “The whole project could cause a considerable impact on our lives, the value of our property, loss of privacy and normal use of our home.

“And, as we discovered talking to neighbours, many simply did not realise how big the extension would be.”

Jane added: “Some folk were shocked. They had no idea what was going on. Parking, too, is a huge issue. As it is, when there is a function at the hall parking is horrendous.”

Parish councillor Ken Hulme is supporting the objections. He said: “There has been absolutely no attempt to consult with residents.

“The project will cost many hundreds of thousands of pounds without any clear idea of the final cost or a business plan.

“A lot of public money has been spent on architects plans and the planning application already,” he added. “The parish council should withdraw this application.

Councillor Brian Lord, a member of the parish council’s planning committee, said they had not expected any objections to the proposal, which was first mooted 10 years ago.

“We are reviewing the plans and will do whatever we can to improve the situation. The last thing we want to do is fall out with residents,” he said.