Homes fight continues as decision is delayed

Oldham Planning Committee reports by Richard Hooton
MORE than 20 residents had a wasted journey after a decision on plans to build 80 houses was deferred.

Campaigners had turned up in the fight against a business getting outline planning permission for the development in Moss Hey Street before relocating.

Bosses at P&D Northern Steels Ltd say they need to sell to keep the business going and safeguard jobs by finding a more efficient site elsewhere in Oldham.

But 32 letters of objection were submitted raising concerns. Issues surround the fact that the site is an employment and flood zone, the land may be contaminated, it will increase traffic congestion, noise, air and light pollution and parking problems and affect highway safety and wildlife. Planning officers had recommended approval, saying the principle of housing development can be supported on the site, the layout of houses can be comfortably accommodated.

But the applicant asked for the plans to be deferred saying Section 106 planning observations within the planning officer’s report were unclear and they needed more clarity. This referred to a condition of a relocation clause and where land would be handed over to the council and the sum of £212,000 for enhancement of public open space and highways measures.

P&D Northern has been at the site, used for storage and flattening steel plates, since 1972 and employs a dozen full-time and three part-time staff.