New homes fight

AFTER seeing plans for 30 new homes in Moorside rejected due to a risk of “over-development”, builders have angered residents by making new proposals for... 29 houses instead.

Oxfordshire-based Heyford Developments wants to build 29 detached and semi-detached homes on a greenfield site off Haven Lane. The original plan for 30 homes was were rejected by Oldham Council planning committee in February.

Of the original proposal, Councillor Riaz Ahmad said the development would “make the lives of local residents a misery.”

After first being made aware of this new proposal in October, nearby Havenside Close tenants led by residents Martina Hanson and Neil Buckley have gathered a 600-strong petition, written objections and researched the impact of increased traffic, along with a possible flooding risk and the impact more residents might have on local school places.

Locals now feel the developer is “playing games” with its new application, which is likely to be considered by the planning committee next month.

John Hanson, a Havenside Close resident, said: “To me they’re playing games. They have made little changes to the application, but the fundamental concerns remain. The timing seems very tactical to me. After Thursday’s election we may have an entirely different set of councillors on the committee.”

Another residential development has already been started further up Haven Lane, which will see 59 new houses.

Havenside Close tenants will hold a meeting to discuss the issue. Heyford Developments has been unavailable for comment.