Village anger as housing pleas fall on deaf ears

Stuart Coleman, front, leads Diggle residents and councillors in a protest against an application to build two new houses on a green area

HOUSING chiefs are planning to build 48 new homes across the borough to bring more affordable social housing to young families.

But First Choice Homes Oldham’s proposals have already run into opposition with villagers furious over a plan to build two houses on a green space in Diggle.

Locals asked for their concerns to be heard before a planning application is submitted - but discovered their protest is to be ignored.

Villagers were worried the village lacks open spaces. FCHO says the need for affordable housing in the area outweighs residents’ concerns.

Stuart Coleman of the Diggle Community Association, said: “Nobody is in favour of the plans.”

A FCHO spokesman said: “We still feel the right thing to do is to proceed with the application - but will be making changes to the drawings following comments at the public meeting.”


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