Residents are backed in fight against homes

PARISH councillors have unanimously opposed plans to develop the site of Crompton Hall.

Crompton Hall Action Group (CHAG) is fighting the proposal to build eight houses at the Shaw beauty spot.

It now has the backing of the parish council, which recommended refusal saying the development will cause traffic problems and the height would leave neighbouring properties overlooked.

They also felt it would put pedestrians in danger with extra wheelie bins on the narrow pavement causing people to step out into Buckstones Road.

The residents group has seen off six sets of plans for the site over three years. It had been forced to concede defeat two years ago after a planning inspector approved building 15 flats and a three-bedroom bungalow.

But developer Vian Homes never began work and has now submitted a new application to build eight houses instead.

It’s believed the credit crunch — which has made it more difficult to sell flats — has forced Vian to go back to the drawing board.

It gave CHAG another chance and it reignited its campaign, saying members fear Crompton Hall Wood will be gone for ever if development takes place.

The group argues the properties will be too high, old trees will have to be cut down and rare and beautiful flora, fauna and wildlife, including protected species such as bats, will be lost.

The developer has pointed to a “large and growing shortfall” of housing in Oldham.

The site was once owned by Roger de Picaventis, a nephew of William the Conqueror. The last hall on the site, built in 1848, was demolished in 1952 and a bungalow built.
nPlanning applications recommended for approval include; erecting 10 stables and menage at Holebottom Farm, Mark Lane, Shaw; front and rear dormers at 12 Eskdale Avenue, Royton; erecting signs at 45a Market Street, Shaw; a first-floor side extension forming a bedroom and en-suite at 3A Underwood Way, Shaw; demolishing a single bay loader shelter and erecting a two-bay loader at Shop Direct, Linney Lane, Shaw; the change of use of 12 Market Street, Shaw, from retail to a betting shop and a new shop front; creating a menage at 9 Whitfield Crescent, Newhey; and erecting a detached garage at 16 Twingates Close, Shaw.

The applications now go before Oldham Council.