Blueprint to shape future

A THREE-day public examination has started into Oldham’s planning blueprint that will guide future developments and land use.

Called the Local Development Framework (LDF), the plan is part of a joint strategy and development policies document called the Joint DPD.

The council consulted on the final draft and submitted it to planning inspector Susan Holland, a chartered town planner, who is conducting the hearing at the Civic Centre.

She told the opening yesterday that her role is to examine the plan and report to the council on its soundness and any changes deemed necessary.

The council’s principle planning officer Paul McGrath said: “The council has been working on the LDF since 2007. We have engaged quite extensively with various bodies over that period including the public and statutory agencies.”

He said the Joint DPD sets out a planning framework for the future of Oldham, adding: “It’s about better jobs, more educational opportunities, quality homes and an improved environment.”

Mr McGrath spoke about how it looks at all aspects of planning with the aim of improving quality of life.

These include improving the local economy with the focus away from traditional manufacturing to technological advancements; ensuring sufficient employment land to meet needs; protecting and enhancing the environment; the need to increase the number of new homes and ensure their affordability, diversity and value and public transport.

Planning agent Alan Chorlton, representing several clients, said the policies are worded in a negative way and the language needed to be revamped to be much more positive.

But Mr McGrath insisted: “The Joint DPD is written in a very positive fashion and sets out how the borough will improve.

One of the main issues is the future of a large swathe of land in rural Foxdenton, including the Grade II listed Foxdenton Hall, that residents fear will become a target for industry.

Today’s hearing examines employment land requirements, sustainable transport and the status of Foxdenton.

Tuesday’s final session will study household projections, Housing Market Renewal (HMR), the distribution of housing and affordable housing.