‘Throw it out’ plea on homes

ANGRY residents have joined forces to fight the planning application

FURIOUS Moorside homeowners will mount a protest at tomorrow’s Oldham planning committee meeting over a new housing plan.

Almost 200 residents and local councillors Councillors Lynne Thompson, Nigel Newton and Peter Dean have objected to the intention to build 59 two, three and four-bedroom homes on a green-field site next to green belt land bounded by Haven Lane, Haugh Hill Road, Counthill Road and Higher Counthill Farm.

The plan has been recommended for approval: developer Grasscroft Properties says it has addressed all issues of concern and expects the proposal to help regenerate the local economy.

Objectors want the houses to be built on the former Counthill school site, already designated as “brown field” land, suitable for building projects.

Adam Haigh of Haven Lane said: “There are already problems with traffic and parking. Adding more cars to this would make the problem worse. There is only one primary school in the area, so there would be an impact.

“I can’t understand why the developers can’t work with the council and come up with a plan to build on the old Counthill School site instead.”

Mike Coulter, MD of the developer, said: “We’ve shown this development is well located. It will deliver over £500,000 from central government to Oldham Council as part of the Homes Bonus Scheme, plus £362,000 of investment in affordable housing and traffic calming measures as well as open space for the community to use.

“No objections to the planning application have been raised on technical grounds from any of the consultees. The application is in line with planning policy at local and national level.”