Homing in on a green dream

HOW the new homes could look

A SELF-BUILD green dream is a step closer for nine families seeking planning permission for an eco-community in Springhead.

If given the go-ahead by Oldham planning committee, the group hopes to turn an old breakers’ yard off Cooper Street into an eco-friendly community.

The homes in Laureates Places will be built with reused materials to keep down costs and feature solar panels and green roofs to blend with surroundings.

Visionary architect Deramore Hutchcroft of Invisible Homes is working with the group which won a £79,194 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, which helps communities to achieve development ambitions.

Councillor Adrian Alexander, for Saddleworth West and Lees, said : “I think it is a tremendous idea and would be a great asset for Saddleworth and Oldham.”