Plans put forward for two mill sites in Oldham

Plans for two old mills in Oldham could be given the go ahead which would see 111 new homes built in Saddleworth.

26 homes are being put forward at the current site of Wall Hill Mill off Wall Hill Road in Dobcross with any current buildings demolished. Officers are recommending the plans are approved.

Tanner Bros (Greenfield) Ltd have also 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 Wall Hill Mill site sits within the greenbelt but is classed as previously developed land due to the presence of the mill. There is currently a large industrial building onsite as well as the remains of the older mill.

Homes in the area have also previously been granted planning permission and the land’s owners argue assessments show the land is unviable for employment opportunities.

A design and access statement for the plans said the development would provide an ‘aesthetic scene’ and ‘high-quality family housing’ alongside ‘appropriate and attractive landscaping’, adding: “The development seeks to create a safe and accessible environment where crime does not undermine the quality of life.”

However the plans have faced some local opposition. Saddleworth Parish Council argue the plans should be rejected over sewage and flooding concerns as well as the loss of land available for businesses in the area.

31 people have also written into the council objecting as well as the site’s current operator K&M Global Limited, which employs 25 people and is a ‘thriving’ vehicle dismantler, servicer, and recycling business.

They argue there is little justification to convert the site into homes and ‘that the business remains successful and actively investing in the site’. The firm has raised concerns they would struggle to relocate.

A council report said: “The objector disputes the conclusions of the submitted viability assessment, arguing that it does not accurately reflect the current operation of the site. It is contended that the site’s continued occupation, investment and growth demonstrate that the employment use remains viable and capable of continuing into the future.”

This assessment by Stannybrook Property Consultants suggested a number of employment and business-related scenarios were unviable. This was also supported by an independent survey commissioned by Oldham council and while further evidence suggests the site is deteriorating and needs major investment.

In their assessment, council officers said ‘the substantial benefits arising from the redevelopment and regeneration of this previously developed site, the delivery of new housing, ecological enhancements and the site’s compliance with green belt policy outweigh the identified harms’.

The potential Waterside Mill development 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.

The plans were supposed to be considered at a council meeting on October 21 but this was postponed to allow for the Saddleworth parish council to comment. The parish council are urging for the plans to be refused raising a number of issues with the plans.

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’.

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.”