Disgruntled residents protest a second plan for care home

Angry residents are protesting against a controversial planning application for a care home which they claim was secretly approved by Oldham Council.

People living close to the proposed care home on Holden Fold Lane, Royton, said it was previously closed down due to violent crimes committed by teenagers who occupied the premises. 

One resident, who was too frightened to have his name published due to backlash from the applicant, said he moved into his new house in December, not knowing of the proposed application.  

He said: “This was shut down before because there were rapes going on, anti-social behaviour and windows of nearby properties were smashed.  

“Youths coming out of the care home were offering drugs to young people and when my wife found out she just broke down.  

“People in the area know the history and we don’t want it repeating. It's not safe for us to live here. I have an open space opposite my house and the youths will congregate there. 

“We understand that 16 to 18-year olds need a home but this residential area is not the right place for them. Oldham Council has really let us down.” 

Distressed residents said that the majority of the people were unhappy with the proposal for the care home. 

One person, who also did not want to be named, said she has put her house on the market after 19 years there, as she cannot go through the same problems again. 

She explained: “My son was seven when it was previously a care home. He is now 17 and he will not put up with this.  

“It’s a complete nightmare. There was once a young person who climbed out of the skyline window of the care home and sat on the roof slashing her wrists, and I could see all this from my back garden.  

“I had a 12ft fence put up as I did not want my child to witness this. He used to sleep in the back room and used to come running into my room as he would be woken up by the police on most nights. A boy once climbed over my fence and offered my son drugs. 

“This is intolerable as when we approached the staff there, they told us to get lost. The kids there used to throw grapes into my garden which are highly poisonous for dogs. I had to rush my dog to the vet to get it checked. A phone box close to us was removed because it was being used for drugs.” 

The residents said the council said at the time that they would never open the care home again. 

Chris, owner of Deals Online T/A Berlin Tools, said he has been there 13 years and had many issues with the care home which is next door to his business. 

He added: “There were around 30 kids coming and going and we tried to engage with some of them, but they were terrible. 

“I have foster children as well and we are not against them but there have been all sorts going on. We’ve suffered a lot of criminal damage. We’ve had windows smashed and now have a metal fence put up. 

“The applicant threatened to close us down because he wants bigger access to the bungalow which is proposed for the care home.” 

In response to these allegations, Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "I completely understand the concerns of residents in this case.  

“We at the council were also concerned about how the previous children’s home at this address was managed.  

“That's why we will be working with those who will be running the property to ensure that any children’s home that is created is properly and safely managed.  

“This will help to avoid the issues experienced by residents previously – issues which are not normally experienced when a children’s home is managed correctly. 

 "Throughout the process and in the running of the home, we and Ofsted will be here to listen to any concerns and take action if needed. The last thing anybody wants in this situation, which is ultimately about giving children a home who desperately need it, is distress for anyone involved." 

An application for a lawful development certificate at 60 Holden Fold Lane in Royton to convert the house at that address to a children’s home, was received and considered by the council’s Planning Service, and a certificate was issued on May 15, 2025, confirming that the proposed change of use would be lawful and does not require planning permission.