The Planning Committee of Oldham Council was scheduled to consider two major planning applications: one for residential development on land to the rear of 69 Broadway, Royton, and another for the demolition and conversion of Waterside Mill in Greenfield. The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on planning appeals.

Residential Development at Land to the Rear of 69 Broadway, Royton

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for residential development for up to 37 affordable dwellings on land to the rear of 69 Broadway, Royton, OL2 5DD. The proposal included consideration of access, with all other matters reserved for future approval. The report pack indicated that the recommendation was to approve the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement. This agreement would secure 100% affordable housing provision, highway improvement works, a biodiversity net gain habitat management plan, public open space provision, and off-site tree planting.

The site is designated as a Green Corridor and Link within the adopted Local Plan, and the report pack noted that development on such land would typically be resisted. However, the report suggested that the site made a limited contribution to the wider objectives of this designation due to its private ownership, lack of public accessibility, and limited role within the green infrastructure network. It was also noted that the designation was proposed to be removed through the emerging new Local Plan. The report pack highlighted that the proposal would deliver a significant public benefit through the provision of 37 affordable dwellings, addressing an identified housing need.

Concerns raised by objectors included the loss of green infrastructure, flood risk, land contamination, highway safety, and the character and appearance of the area. The report pack indicated that technical assessments by consultees, including the Environment Agency and the Lead Local Flood Authority, had raised no significant objections that would justify refusal, provided appropriate conditions were imposed.

Waterside Mill, Chew Valley Road, Greenfield

The committee was also scheduled to consider a full planning application for the demolition of poor-quality buildings at Waterside Mill, Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, OL3 7NH, and the conversion of older buildings to create 59 apartments for residents over 55. The proposal also included the construction of 27 new dwellings, comprising 17 three-storey houses and 10 two- and three-storey dwellings, along with associated access roads, parking, and landscaping.

The site is located within an allocated Saddleworth Business Employment Area, and the report pack indicated that the proposal represented a departure from the Development Plan. However, the applicant had provided a viability appraisal which, according to an independent review, demonstrated that the continued use of the site for employment purposes was unviable, and that a new build employment development was also commercially unviable. The report pack suggested that the proposed residential development would outweigh the potential for further employment use and would benefit the community.

The proposal was noted to contribute to the identified need for specialist older persons accommodation. Due to viability considerations, no affordable housing contribution or open space contribution was deemed possible. Concerns raised by third parties included flood risk to neighbouring properties, the adequacy of the access road and bridge, landscaping details, overlooking, and the suitability of property sizes for downsizing. The report pack indicated that the proposal would be subject to conditions relating to highway improvements, pedestrian access, sustainable drainage, and contaminated land assessment.

Appeals Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on planning appeals. The report provided a list of ongoing and newly submitted appeals, including those relating to single-storey garden buildings, domestic garages, extensions, the retention of roller shutters, advertisement displays, and certificates of lawful use. The recommendation was for the report to be noted.