Disabled centre planning storm

THE land in question: a local family wants to develop this greenbelt land into an outreach centre for the disabled

A WAR of words has erupted in Saddleworth over a family’s plan to build a business for their disabled son.

The McNeeneys want to build a base to accommodate adapted rough-terrain vehicles to open the countryside to disabled visitors.

But their attempts to do so on greenbelt land have prompted anger in the local community and outrage from residents keen to protect the rural haven.

The application involves the creation of a countryside outreach centre on the land off Manchester Road, Greenfield.

It’s planned to house “trampers” — cross-country buggies for the less abled — which could then be hired out to residents.

Campaigners have joined forces to condemn the scheme.

A spokesman for the village group said: “The applicant has called this a ‘tramper countryside outreach centre’ but it consists of a private house for the applicant’s family who intend to run a mobility vehicle hire business.

“Only a very small percentage of the development is for recreational purposes. There are no special circumstances’ in this case to justify a residential build: a hire business does not require a live-in manager and no-one has a right to live where they work.”

As part of their planning remit, Saddleworth Parish Council has recommended Oldham Council refuse the application.

The McNeeney family says the development complies with planning guidance. They point to clauses which promote equal-opportunity access to open countryside and the need to ensure facilities are accessible for those with disabilities

Though the proposals contain living accommodation, it is argued it is a necessity due to the disability of the occupier and the need to be close to his social enterprise.

Parish councillor Neil Allsopp says he has been contacted several times by people opposed to the plans. He thinks an alternative location could be found.

Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, of which David McNeeney used to be chairman, will discuss the issue on April 19.


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