Controversial homes plan debate

NOT on this land . . . Stuart Coleman (front), head of Diggle Residents’ Association, and a group of local residents have taken a stand against the application to build two houses on a green area in the village

Erin Heywood
A planning application to build two houses on a much-loved green area in Saddleworth will be discussed by the parish council tonight.

The First Choice Homes proposal has angered Diggle residents, who say the site, in Huddersfield Road, is a community space that needs protection.

FCHO agreed to listen to residents and held a public meeting.

Despite continuing protests from residents, FCHO’s application claims the need for affordable housing in the area outweighs local concerns.

A spokesman said: “FCHO owns the site. In this case, having weighed the need with the comments from residents, we still feel the right thing to proceed.”

Saddleworth Parish Council will discuss the plan tonight (Uppermill Civic Hall 7.30pm), before passing the final decisioin to Oldham Council’s planning committee.