Tramper centre outrage

RESIDENTS are remaining defiant against a plan to build a house and business on greenbelt land.

As the Chronicle reported, permission was granted for a tramper centre opposite 58A Manchester Road, Greenfield, at the latest Oldham Council planning meeting.

The decision, which was recommended for refusal by Saddleworth Parish Council, has angered local residents who say there is no justification for building on protected land.

Mike Rooke, secretary of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “We feel our message that there are serious grounds for refusal on this application was never heard in the planning process.

“Disabled people are going to be disenfranchised. They have lost out in a long-lasting facility because it is not a sustainable one. In times to come it will be a non-functional facility that will only exist for the lifetime of the occupants.

“Future generations of walkers and cyclists will have to go past what will be a blot on the environment. It is absolutely scandalous. The community is up in arms, we think it’s an outrage.

“We are reviewing the situation and considering what steps to take next. We are determined to do whatever we can to prevent a serious injustice.”