Buckley not sold on shop plans

A 19TH CENTURY shop in Diggle is at the centre of a controversial planning application to turn the disused building into a house.

Proposals to change the use of the building, on Kiln Lane, and add an extension to the rear have been submitted to Oldham Council’s planning committee which meets tonight.

The building, which is of historical significance and can be dated back to 1890, would be renovated and extended to create a two-bedroom house in an L-shape design.

In the application, agents Chorlton Planning highlight that the development is in a good location, close to public transport and a range of services.

However, the plans have been recommended for refusal by Saddleworth Parish Council as it would see the extension being built into green-belt land.

Chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council’s Planning Committee, Mike Buckley, said: “It is a very small building in the green belt, very close to the conservation area.

“The rule about extensions on existing buildings on green-belt land states that they can be up to 33 per cent before they are classed as a new building. This development is a clear breach of this rule. There has to be very special circumstances to breach this condition and we did not believe that the application met this requirement.

“There is nothing about the character of this building that renders it a unique case. It is as simple as that.”

No public representations have been received by the council, however the consultation period remains open until Wednesday, November 27, which committee members are being advised to take into account when making their decision.
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