Park drive

PARKING plan . . . the site of the proposed car park at Westwood Park

THE Royal Oldham Hospital’s contoversial plan to turn Westwood Park into a 562-space staff car park will be discussed by councillors on Wednesday.

Hospital chiefs are expecting approval for the plan, which replaces their original intention to build a multi-storey car park.

The move has sparked a 63-signature petition objecting to the scheme, but planning officers are recommending approval.

In return Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will pay £400,000 to pay for new play equipment on public open space at Cottam Street and give the council land on the neighbouring Westhulme site for a new football pitch.

The council says Westwood Park is poorly maintained and suffers problems with anti-social behaviour, vandalism, litter and dog fouling.

It adds that it is poorly used, possibly because it is secluded and cut off from much of the surrounding residential areas by major roads.

A report to Wednesday’s meeting says the park is a continuing maintenance liability for the council.

Objectors counter that it is a valued and well-used facility for sport, cycling, dog walking, keeping fit, picnics and group activities. Elderly people walk on the park and the play area is used by children.

They are worried about possible noise and disturbance to local residents by the proposed car park, loss of privacy, wildlife, greenery and views, light pollution, increased traffic and a possible increase in crime.

The new car park would replace temporary arrangements for 500 staff vehicles at Oldham Athletic.

Graham Lord, head of estates development at Pennine Acute Trust, said: “A new car park would help to solve some of the problems associated with parking at and around the hospital since we have expanded a number of our services and facilities on the site.

“Other options have been considered including a multi-storey car park but the Westwood Park proposal is the preferred solution.”

The plan is for terraced parking, to prevent the “sea of cars” effect. Mature trees will be kept where possible, the pavilion retained, the slopes landscaped and the car park surrounded by a two-metre fence.