Demolition of police station opposed

PLANS to demolish the former police station in Uppermill have hit a stumbling block after Saddleworth Parish Council united to oppose the plans.

The parish council’s planning committee has recommended refusal for an application to tear down the building in Buckley Street and replace it with six terraced houses.

The committee argue the current two-storey building, built in the 1920s with imposing gables and doorways, is solidly built and in structurally good condition.

Councillors said the reference to the building as an eyesore by applicant Wiggett Homes is superficial, resulting from a lack of recent maintenance. This they say could be put right with minimal cost.

Councillor Mike Buckley said: “The feeling is that it is well built and an attractive building, and would be a loss to Uppermill if it went.

“It was the only municipal building in the village that was built for purpose, all the others have been adapted.”

Councillors also opposed the plans for the six houses on the site, branding them as bland utilitarianism.

They argued that the use of new commercial stone and the front gardens as drives would detract from the character of the area.

Councillor Buckley added: “If the building was to go we would be looking for something of equal quality and interest in the conservation area and we don’t think that has been put forward.”

However, Phil Wiggett, who owns the company, says building new homes in place of the old building will make the properties more sellable and spare the project dragging on for years to come.

The police station moved to a purpose-built base in the village high street in 2004.

The application will now go before Oldham Council’s planning department.