Hotel’s hopes go to the top

Oldham Council planning committee

PLANS for a two-storey extension to a hotel within the Green Belt will be referred to the Secretary of State for full approval.

They involve a two-storey extension to provide function rooms, catering facilities and additional toilet facilities at Grains Bar Farm Hotel. The stone-built property is to the north of the Grains Bar junction. Saddleworth Parish Council had recommended refusal over the loss of early 19th Century elevation of the traditional Saddleworth farmhouse.

Councillor Mike Buckley said: “The way they are doing it is very unsightly and I’m not happy with it.”

But the applicant argued it would help them create a sustainable business, would create job opportunities and make a significant contribution to the local economy.

Planning officers said it would not have a visual impact on the Green Belt and that increased levels of activity would not result in a loss of amenity sufficient to warrant refusal — and were backed by councillors.

However the matter is to go to the Secretary of State because the plans are a departure from the Oldham Unitary Development Plan.