‘Invisible’ green belt home approved

COUNCILLORS have approved plans for an “invisible” home to be built on a Delph hillside.

The development will take advantage of new green-belt legislation allowing building on protected land.

Though Saddleworth Parish Council initially recommended refusal of the application, Oldham Planning Committee approved the eco-home.

Landowner Gavin Mather and architect Deramore Hutchcroft can now set about their ambitious plans for a 2,800 sq ft house, to be built into the hillside from recycled and locally-sourced materials such as tyres and straw bales, with only a stone facade visible.

Legislation outlined by the Government earlier this month allows developments on protected land as long as councillors designate another area as green belt. The aim is to kickstart the economy, but will restrict residents’ ability to protest against new developments and give them less time to appeal, ensuring fewer cases face legal challenges.

The house will have a biomass boiler, a specialised septic tank and other qualities that massively reduce ts impact on the environment.


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