Plans for flats and homes at site of mill in Greenfield

An Oldham mill damaged by a fire could be given ‘a new lease of life’ if it is allowed to be converted into flats below Dovestone Reservoir.

Tanner Bros (Greenfield) Ltd have applied for planning permission at Waterside Mill in Greenfield to demolish ‘poor-quality buildings’, convert the older mill buildings into 59 apartments, and build 26 homes on part of the site. All homes are for those over the age of 55 and none of the development will be on greenbelt land.

The land sits near to the Chew Brook on the edge of Greenfield below the Dovestone Reservoir. The cotton industry mill was built by the Buckley family in 1838 before being bought by the Tanner family in 1919.

Over the last century, the mill’s industry moved from cotton mule spinning to tyre cord weaving and dental floss before becoming a local business centre. Now the mill’s owners say the buildings are now at the end of their economic life.

The mill would be converted into ‘high specification apartments’ with the addition of the fourth floor which was destroyed by fire in 1966. A planning statement said it was ‘a time for change’ and their plans would give the mill ‘a new lease of life’.

Alongside the new homes, the development promises to deliver ‘spacious landscaped courtyards’ and a ‘village environment’. This is all against a ‘dramatic Pennine landscape’ and ‘unique setting’.

Now the plans are due to come to an Oldham council planning committee on October 21. This is because the development is considered major and officers are recommending approval.

Concerns were also raised by three people living in the area. They raised concerns around flood risk, access to the site, the ‘overlooking of neighbouring properties on lower land, and the property sizes being too big for those looking to down-size.

Planning documents attached to the application said: “The owners are long-standing family members who have been custodians of the site over many decades adapting to changes in the economic climate and ensuring the retention of the historic fabric of the buildings as best they could.

“Similarly, in the light of economic constraints, they have made a positive decision to move forward with a planning application which will provide a sustainable future for this unique historic complex and will enhance its immediate surroundings.”

At the same committee meeting, councillors will also consider plans for up to 37 affordable homes on land at the back of 69 Broadway in Royton. These would all be affordable but have faced objections from a number of people living nearby.