Campaigners question Foxdenton ‘big secret’

OLDHAM Council has been accused by campaigners of withholding vital information regarding the controversial Foxdenton development.

The council has twice refused to release documents about the £100 million housing and business park development despite rulings that information should be disclosed.

Opponents Foxdenton and District Protection Group first made the Freedom of Information request asking to view development documents in February 2013.

The request was refused by the council but approved by the Information Commissioner, who ordered the release of the papers.

Oldham Council again refused and the case was taken to a tribunal which earlier this month dismissed the council’s case as being without merit.

But the information has still to be released - leaving local residents concerned about what the documents might reveal.

A spokesman for the protection group said: “It is disappointing that our elected representatives are still delaying this process despite lawful requests, thus demonstrating an unacceptable lack of honesty and transparency.”

A council spokesman declined to make a statement and said the council has 28 days to appeal the decision.

The site, to be called Broadway Green, will contain up to 500 homes and new warehouses under plans submitted by developers Foxdenton LLP, a joint venture between Seddon Construction and Grasscroft Property.