This week in Oldham:

Council Considers Plans for Affordable Housing and Older Persons' Accommodation

Oldham Council's Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, to decide on two significant residential development proposals. These applications, one for affordable housing in Royton and another for specialist accommodation for older residents in Greenfield, will shape local neighbourhoods and address housing needs.

Affordable Homes Planned for Royton Green Corridor

A proposal for up to 37 affordable homes on land to the rear of 69 Broadway, Royton, OL2 5DD, is set for consideration. While this is an outline application, meaning only access is being determined at this stage, the development is planned for an area currently designated as a Green Corridor and Link within the Oldham Local Plan.

The report suggests that the site's contribution to the Green Corridor designation is limited due to its private ownership and lack of public access. The proposal includes a commitment to 100% affordable housing, along with highway improvements, biodiversity net gain, and public open space. However, objectors have raised concerns about the loss of green infrastructure, flood risk, land contamination, and highway safety. The emerging Local Plan indicates a potential removal of the Green Corridor designation for this site, which could influence the committee's decision.

Specialist Accommodation for Older Residents Proposed for Greenfield

The committee will also review a full planning application for the Waterside Mill complex in Greenfield, OL3 7NH. This proposal involves demolishing some existing buildings and converting others into 59 apartments for residents over 55, alongside the construction of 27 new dwellings. The site is currently allocated as a Business Employment Area, but a viability appraisal suggests that employment use is unviable.

The development aims to address the identified need for specialist older persons' accommodation. Concerns from objectors include flood risk to neighbouring properties, the adequacy of the access road and bridge, overlooking, and the suitability of property sizes. The application includes plans for highway improvements, pedestrian bridges, and sustainable drainage systems.

The Planning Committee will also receive an update on planning appeals.

You can find more details about these applications in the Planning Committee agenda.

Licensing Committee to Review Team Activities and Taxi Licensing

The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, to review the work of the Licensing Team and discuss key issues in taxi and private hire licensing. The meeting will also confirm the minutes from a previous session where residents raised concerns about street rank alterations and the number of private hire vehicles.

Licensing Team Update

The committee will receive a report detailing the Licensing Team's activities since April 2026. This team is responsible for statutory functions related to taxi and private hire licensing, as well as regulating alcohol, entertainment, and late-night refreshment premises under the Licensing Act 2003¹. The report is expected to cover hearings for premises such as Dessert Point and Northern Roots, as well as ongoing advice and inspections.

Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Focus

A significant portion of the discussion is expected to focus on taxi and private hire licensing. The report is anticipated to show a substantial increase in new applications for dual driver licences since April 2026. Comparative data on the total number of current licences for dual drivers, school contract drivers, private hire vehicles, private hire operators, and hackney carriage vehicles will be presented. The report may also address the impact of the rise in licensed drivers on private hire vehicle applications and vehicle testing. Details of hearings before the Drivers Panel and delegated decisions made by officers are also scheduled to be included.

Review of Previous Meeting Minutes

The committee will also confirm the minutes from its previous meeting on 16 June 2026. At that meeting, public questions were raised regarding street rank alterations on Yorkshire Street and the increase in private hire plates. Responses indicated that the Highways Team was considering a review of the Yorkshire Street rank, and that there were no legal provisions to restrict the number of private hire vehicles licensed by the council.

Alts and Holts Pride in Place Board Scheduled to Discuss Community Engagement

The Alts and Holts Pride in Place board was scheduled to meet on Friday, 16 October 2026, to discuss community engagement activities and the development of the Place Plan. The agenda included plans for a resident survey and the recruitment of volunteers for a Halloween parade.

Community Engagement and Halloween Parade Volunteers

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to a Communications and Community Engagement update, led by Eve Edwards. This segment was planned to cover resident survey activities and community conversations, with a specific focus on identifying Halloween parade volunteers. The board was expected to consider additional engagement opportunities it could support.

Place Plan Development

The development of the Place Plan was also a key item. This plan is likely to outline strategies and initiatives aimed at improving local areas within the Alts and Holts district.

The board was also scheduled to review previous actions and discuss any other business, including a potential joint meeting with the Chadderton Board.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Alts and Holts Pride in Place board agenda.

Other Matters

This week in Oldham:

Licensing Panel Considers Controversial Northern Roots Premises Licence

The Licensing Panel was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Northern Roots, a popular community and environmental hub. The application, which sought permission for live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol until midnight daily, attracted significant objections from local residents.

Concerns raised by Mr. and Mrs. Bird, who live at 33 Tuns Road, Oldham, OL8 2PT, focused on potential public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. They specifically highlighted worries about amplified outdoor music from early morning until late at night, fearing it would disrupt their quality of life. Mrs. Bird also expressed concerns about litter and anti-social behaviour.

Northern Roots proposed amending the application to restrict amplified outdoor music to after 9 pm, with any later music to be held indoors. They also clarified the licensed area to the Welcome Building and its associated external spaces. The Panel was tasked with weighing these proposals against the council's Licensing Policy Statement and statutory guidance. The outcome of this decision could significantly impact the operational hours and activities of Northern Roots, and the peace of mind for nearby residents.

You can find more details about this application in the Licensing Panel agenda.

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Social Housing Standards and Food Safety

The Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board was scheduled to review the Regulator of Social Housing's Improvement Plan and receive a briefing on Food Safety service delivery. These discussions highlight the council's ongoing efforts to ensure safe and quality housing for residents and to uphold food safety standards across the borough.

Improving Social Housing Standards

A report presented to the Board detailed serious failings identified by the Regulator of Social Housing during an inspection in 2025. These failings included a lack of oversight on consumer standards, insufficient resources for verifying contractor information, and weaknesses in tenant engagement. In response, the council has developed an improvement plan, which has been approved by the Regulator. This plan includes increasing staffing within the team responsible for contract management and compliance, and establishing a new Consumer Standards Improvement Board with tenant representation.

• Why this matters: These improvements are crucial for ensuring that the nearly 2,100 homes managed by the council meet safety and quality standards. A robust improvement plan is essential to regain the Regulator's confidence and, more importantly, to provide tenants with assurance about the management of their homes.

Ensuring Food Safety Amidst Resource Pressures

The Food Safety service faces ongoing challenges, including a backlog of inspections exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in newly registered food businesses. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been monitoring Oldham's performance, and while the council is working to realign its inspection frequencies with FSA guidelines, resource pressures due to recruitment difficulties and staff vacancies remain a concern.

• Impact on residents: Despite these challenges, the service continues to enforce food law, with the majority of Oldham's food businesses achieving good hygiene ratings. The council's participation in the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme aims to drive up standards and inform consumers. However, the report indicated that delivering all due inspections for 2026/27 will be challenging given current resources.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board agenda.

Leaders’ Consultative Meeting Scheduled

The Leaders’ Consultative Meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday 5 October 2026. This meeting brings together the leaders of the various political groups on the council to discuss important matters. While the specific agenda items were not detailed, these meetings are typically used to foster cross-party dialogue and address significant council business.

You can find more details about this meeting in the Leaders’ Consultative Meeting agenda.

Other Matters

This week in Oldham:

Council Pushes Ahead with District Heat Network Plans and Local Heritage List

Oldham Council is moving forward with ambitious plans for its District Heat Network and the creation of a Local Heritage List, aiming to boost sustainability and preserve the borough's unique character. The Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board met on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss these key initiatives.

Oldham District Heat Network: A Step Closer to Greener Energy

The council is seeking approval to consult the public on a draft Local Development Order (LDO) and the proposed Zonal Boundary for the Oldham District Heat Network. This network is a crucial part of the council's strategy to reduce carbon emissions and provide more affordable, sustainable heating to homes and businesses.

• What's an LDO? A Local Development Order grants automatic planning permission for specific types of development in defined areas. For the heat network, this means simplifying the process for laying pipes and installing necessary infrastructure, making the project more attractive to potential energy partners.
• Why a Zonal Boundary? This is a requirement under new national legislation for heat networks. By defining a zone, the council can ensure that district heating is the most cost-effective solution for that area and can grant development rights to its chosen partner.

The council is also working with the national Advanced Zoning Programme to develop these plans. This initiative is vital for securing future investment and ensuring Oldham is at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.

You can find more details about the Oldham Heat Network proposals in the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board agenda.

Protecting Oldham's Heritage: The Local Heritage List

The council is also moving forward with the creation of an Oldham Local Heritage List. This list will identify and protect buildings and sites of local historical, architectural, or communal value that may not be nationally listed but are still important to the borough's identity.

• Public Consultation: The Board was asked to approve public consultation on the proposed list. This is a vital step to ensure that residents have their say on what local heritage is important to them.
• Criteria for Inclusion: The report outlined the criteria used to assess nominations, focusing on historical significance, architectural merit, and social or communal value. This ensures a robust and fair process for identifying assets.

The council has also presented detailed gazetteers for various wards, listing nominated assets and their specific merits. This transparency allows residents to see exactly what is being considered for inclusion.

You can find more details about the Oldham Local Heritage List in the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board agenda.

Support for Vulnerable Families and Children Strengthened

Oldham Council is enhancing its support for vulnerable families and children through several key initiatives discussed at the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board meeting on Monday 28 September 2026. These measures aim to improve early identification, provide specialist mental health support, and empower parents.

Parent Infant Mental Health Services (PIMHS) Extended

The Parent Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS), which provides specialist clinical support to vulnerable families with very young children, is set to continue. The current contract with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust was due to expire, but to ensure continuity and retain skilled staff, a one-year contract extension is proposed. This will allow time to develop longer-term commissioning arrangements, supported by confirmed funding through to 2029.

• Why this matters: Early intervention in mental health for parents and infants is crucial for healthy development and can prevent more serious issues later in life. This extension ensures that families continue to receive vital support.

Parental Advocacy Service to Empower Parents

A new Parental Advocacy service is being commissioned to empower parents to understand processes and decisions affecting their families. This service, funded through the Families First Partnership Grant, will help parents fully participate in assessments, planning, and decision-making processes, including Family Group Decision Making.

• Legal Duty: The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 places a statutory duty on local authorities to offer independent advocacy support. This new service will help Oldham Council meet this obligation.

Enhanced Support for Children with Additional Needs

Oldham Council has received an additional £1.7 million across three years to enhance early identification and preventative support for babies and young children with emerging additional needs, as part of the Best Start in Life Programme. This funding will be used to recruit key roles, including an Integrated Team Manager and Early Years Quality Practitioner and Best Start Inclusion Practitioner roles, until March 2029.

• Impact on families: This investment will strengthen the council's ability to identify and support children with additional needs early on, ensuring they receive the right interventions to thrive.

Support for Residents with Multiple Disadvantages

The council is set to receive £600,000 per annum for three years from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to implement an Enhanced Live Well Model. This funding will continue support for residents experiencing multiple disadvantages, such as homelessness, substance misuse, and mental ill health. A significant portion of this funding will be allocated to Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partners to recruit specialist outreach and peer support workers.

You can find more details about these initiatives to support vulnerable families and children in the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board agenda.

Other Matters

Driver Licence Applications Reviewed

The Licensing Driver Panel met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to consider several applications for dual driver's licences. In each case, a conviction had raised questions about the applicant's fitness and propriety to hold a licence, leading to the applications being referred to the panel for determination. The panel also reviewed an existing licence and received an update on appeals against previous decisions.

You can find more details about these licence reviews in the Licensing Driver Panel agenda.

This week in Oldham:

Council Reviews Decisions Made Under Emergency Powers

Oldham Council's Leaders' Consultative Meeting on Monday 21 September 2026 was tasked with reviewing a significant number of decisions made under emergency powers between June and September 2026. These decisions, covering a wide array of council services, were categorised as Key or Principal based on their financial impact or importance to the community.

The review included contract extensions and awards for essential services such as Care at Home, Transport Capital Programme 2026/27, and Carriageway Road Markings and Resurfacing Frameworks. Crucially, decisions impacting vulnerable groups were also on the agenda, including the A Bed Every Night Phase 6 and Rough Sleeping Outreach and Navigator Procurement, and the Emergency Out of Hours (Housing Options) Contract - Procurement. These contracts are vital for providing immediate support and shelter to those experiencing homelessness.

Other significant items included the Revenues and Benefits MRI Contract and the Hybrid Mail Contract, which affect the efficiency of council operations and how residents interact with services. Funding for Oldham Coliseum and the Afghan Resettlement Programmes were also reviewed, highlighting the council's commitment to cultural institutions and supporting refugees.

The meeting also touched upon the SEND Reform Fund and Programme, which is critical for ensuring children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the support they require. Decisions regarding the MEGA Hubs Digital Skills Project and the Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme (EARP) demonstrate efforts to address both digital inclusion and immediate housing needs.

While the report pack listed these decisions for review, it did not provide details on the discussions or specific outcomes. This means that while these contracts and programmes were put in place, the full rationale and any potential concerns raised during their emergency approval are not yet publicly available.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Leaders’ Consultative Meeting agenda.

Driver Licence Reviews Raise Public Safety Concerns

The Licensing Driver Panel met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to consider several individual driver licence applications and renewals. The panel's primary role is to ensure public safety by determining the fitness and propriety of individuals seeking or holding licences for taxi and private hire services.

Several cases, including DP-2026-41, DP-2026-52, DP-2026-59, DP-2026-60, and DP-2026-56, involved reviews of existing dual driver licences. These reviews were triggered by information recorded against the licence holders that raised questions about their suitability to continue operating. This process is essential for maintaining trust and safety for passengers.

Furthermore, the panel considered an application to renew a dual hackney carriage and private hire driver's licence (DP-2026-58) and a new dual driver's licence application (DP-2026-61). In both instances, convictions had been recorded, prompting the panel to assess whether the applicants remained 'fit and proper' persons.

The exclusion of the public and press from these discussions, due to the sensitive nature of the information contained in the reports, underscores the importance of privacy for individuals while the council upholds its duty to protect the public.

You can find more details about these licence reviews in the Licensing Driver Panel agenda.

Health Scrutiny Committee Examines Hospital Performance and Cost Savings

On Thursday 24 September 2026, the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Northern Care Alliance convened to discuss critical operational and strategic matters affecting local healthcare services. A key focus was the Northern Care Alliance's (NCA) performance, including updates on a Channel 4 programme and feedback from a well-led inspection. The committee also addressed the impact of industrial action on services, a significant concern for both staff and patients.

A major point of discussion was the NCA's Cost Improvement Plan (CIP), which aims to achieve £80.6 million in savings for the financial year 2026/27. However, a projected shortfall of £23.5 million highlights the significant financial pressures facing the NHS. The report detailed how these savings are to be generated across various areas, including medical workforce, nursing, medicines management, and estates. Crucially, the committee was assured that all saving schemes are quality assessed for their impact on patients, a vital consideration for ensuring that cost-cutting measures do not compromise care quality.

The committee also reviewed the implementation of the Clinical Leadership Model (CLM), which aims to strengthen leadership and improve care consistency. While the transition has been largely smooth, the report noted that site management models require further development and that new leaders are spending excessive time in meetings. The anticipated benefits of the CLM include reducing unwarranted variation in care and improving patient experience.

An Integrated Performance Report provided an overview of the NCA's performance across key metrics, including urgent and emergency care, elective care, and finance. While some areas showed improvement, such as RTT 18 weeks performance and cancer access targets, concerns remain regarding sickness absence, industrial action impacting theatre capacity, and a year-to-date deficit of £18.3 million.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Northern Care Alliance agenda.

Highway Committee Addresses Traffic and Parking Concerns

The Highway Regulation Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to consider several objections to proposed traffic calming and waiting restrictions across the borough. These decisions directly impact the safety and accessibility of local roads for residents and businesses.

One significant item was the objection to a proposed 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on Huddersfield Road in Diggle. Residents raised concerns about noise, vehicle damage, and the visual impact of speed cushions. The recommendation was to approve the original proposal, which could lead to these measures being implemented despite local opposition.

Near Fir Bank Primary School, Royton, the committee considered numerous objections to proposed waiting restrictions and extended school keep clear markings. Residents argued that these restrictions would worsen existing parking problems. The committee was recommended to dismiss these objections, which could lead to reduced parking availability for local residents.

The committee also reviewed objections to proposed waiting restrictions on Hobson Street, Failsworth, aimed at improving access for delivery vehicles. A relaxed proposal, including bollards and revised waiting times, was recommended for approval. Finally, a petition for a residents-only parking scheme on Hedges Street, Failsworth was discussed, but the council's criteria suggest it may not be implemented.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Highway Regulation Committee agenda.

Planning Committee Considers Housing and HMO Applications

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to decide on a range of planning applications, including proposals for new housing, changes of use, and commercial developments. These decisions shape the future landscape of Oldham and impact local communities.

A key application was for 68 affordable homes on land off Failsworth Road, Failsworth. However, the site is located within the Green Belt, and the application was recommended for refusal due to its inappropriate development in this sensitive area and concerns about highway safety. This decision highlights the council's commitment to protecting Green Belt land, even when affordable housing is proposed.

In Chadderton, the committee considered a proposal to convert a vacant takeaway and residential unit into a 7-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 121 Long Lane. Despite numerous objections from residents and the local MP concerning traffic, parking, and the impact on a nearby nursery, the application was recommended for approval. This decision could lead to increased pressure on local infrastructure and a change in the character of the neighbourhood.

Plans for a new two-storey commercial building at the junction of Broadgate and Grimshaw Lane, Chadderton, comprising a restaurant and function space, were recommended for approval. Additionally, a significant residential development of 147 affordable homes at Southlink, Oldham was also discussed, with a recommendation for approval subject to planning obligations.

An update on planning appeals was also presented, informing the committee of recent decisions on various applications.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Planning Committee agenda.

Other Matters

Shareholder Committee Meeting

The Shareholder Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 21 September 2026 has been noted as pending scraping, meaning details of its proceedings are not yet available.