New homes scoop planning accolade

WIN: the St Mary’s development has received the Royal Town Planning Institute’s North West Planning Achievement award for 2013.

New homes in St Mary’s, Oldham have won the Royal Town Planning Institute North West Planning Achievement award.

This recognition marks a remarkable change in fortunes for the site, which had stood derelict for more than a decade following the demolition of run-down flats.

Oldham Council and Contour Homes built 93 houses designed by Oldham-based architects Nicol Thomas. Work was completed this year and many of the homes are now occupied.

The scheme includes four properties built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 and two Passivhaus homes — currently the highest eco-standard.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “All those involved in making sure this plan came to fruition deserve to be congratulated.”