Homes plan to replace factory

A DISUSED Royton factory could be demolished to make way for 32 new homes.

The building in Bleasdale Street, part of the former Larch Mill, was home to a healthcare business in recent years but the firm moved its operations elsewhere in 2007 after it was refused permission to expand on the industrial site.

Applicants Morris Homes and Synergy Health UK have submitted a planning application to Oldham Council, saying 32 homes would be more in keeping with the area, where a number of other housing developments have taken place recently.

Residential

A detailed planning document has been submitted for the applicants by Manchester-based chartered town planners Hourigan Connolly.

The document says the area surrounding Larch Mill has become predominantly residential. Expansion of the site in 2007 was refused because council planners said growth would be "oppressive and overbearing" to homes near by.

The document states: "Royton is a significant suburb which has services and facilities to support high- quality homes of the type provided by Morris Homes."

The building is not listed or in a conservation area. There are some trees on the site, mainly sycamores, which are not subject to tree protection orders. Some of the trees will be kept and some new planting will also take place, the document states.

Royton councillor Tony Larkin, who is vice-chairman of Oldham Council's planning committee, said he would consider all the arguments for and against the scheme when the application is formally considered by the committee. No date has yet been fixed.

He added : "It is sad to lose employment spaces and industrial heritage. We need local places for industry and commerce.

"However, we also need houses and people don't want to look at empty factories.

"I hope the site has been well advertised and that businesses have had a chance to consider it.

" I do have a concern about Royton becoming a dormitory town with no local industry.

"However, I also recognise that it's a popular place to live and other investments are taking place, which is welcome. We need to get the mix of industrial, commercial and residential spaces right.

Traffic

"I don't think this building has especially important architecture, unlike some of the grand mills in Oldham.

"It's a mix of the old brick mill and a modern, corrugated metal factory.

"There was also traffic issues with lorries going in and out all day opposite the park. So I don't think it would be greatly missed by people in the area. However I'll make up my mind when it reaches the planning committee."