£13m for 59 new homes at St Mary’s

MAJOR plans to regenerate the site of a former housing estate near Oldham town centre have been agreed by Oldham Council.

The £13 million proposal will see the construction of new homes at St Mary’s by the Contour Housing Association.

The development comprises 59 family homes — 33 of which will be for general rent, and 26 designated “rent to sale”.

The plans include a newly-landscaped area of public open space and could be followed by a second phase of 34 family homes.

Councillor Mohammed Masud, community champion for East Oldham, said: “This proposal will finally see the much-needed regeneration of this area and the development of quality homes on land which has been standing derelict for some time.

“As well as providing high-quality housing it will ensure this gateway to Oldham is transformed by a development that we can all be proud of.”

The development received full planning approval in February and Contour Homes has successfully made an application for National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP) funding from the Government, funding from the HCA, and given a commitment to provide almost £4 million of its own to help ensure the scheme goes ahead.

The St Mary’s site, which was previously deck access flats, requires significant preparation.

It is expected that work will take five months and the first new homes would be completed by spring next year.