Eco homes for the third time of asking?

It could be third time lucky for plans to build an eco-friendly town centre housing scheme in Oldham after a housing association stepped in.

Contour Housing has applied to build 93 homes for rent, sale or on a flexible tenure, on land bounded by St Mary’s Way, Egerton Street, and Horsedge Street.

The plans have been lodged by the Salford-based housing association which already manages the Limehurst, Avenues and Hollins estates for Oldham Council.

They include two, three, four and five-bedroomed houses, plus car parking, which would fill the area once occupied by the Jespersen Street flats, demolished in 1997.

Six years ago the first plans for the site were drawn up, then replaced with new plans for energy efficient eco-homes by national construction company Gleeson, who pulled out last year.

The land was the largest free car park in Oldham until it was landscaped this year, and turned into a wild flower meadow with limited parking

More details of the scheme will be released after it has been before councillors on Oldham’s cabinet on Wednesday.

The scheme has already been outlined to people at the last East Oldham Partnership meeting, when Contour revealed its masterplans including layout, house types, materials and landscaping.

It hopes to use local labour, and begin long term community planning, and include local people in the design and planning of public spaces and walkways.

Ward Councillor Mohammed Masud, who is also East Oldham community champion, said: “This land has been in limbo and I really welcome this development. These should be excellent eco-homes.”