Hubs for meditation, learning and growing produce have been approved for Oldham's eco-park this week while a wild swimming pond has been teased for future discussion.

Oldham Council's planning committee met last week to confirm plans for the 160-acre Northern Roots site which is in the midst of becoming the UK's largest urban farm.

The committee unanimously approved a plethora of new resources for the site, including a visitor centre, learning centre and events building while an outdoor swimming pond has been roughly outlined as a possible addition in the future.

The visitor and learning centres, which have been co-designed by JDDK Architects and local communities, will include a reception area, shop, cafe, multi-faith prayer and meditation spaces, classrooms, teaching spaces and a bunkhouse, all made using sustainable materials.

The market garden and the site's many growing allotments will supply the cafe and shop with sustainably produced food to reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.

Meanwhile, the events building will contain three meeting room pods for conferences and a forestry depot will be used by maintenance staff to manage the site.

Electricity to the buildings will also be provided sustainably, using ground-mounted solar PV systems which harness the power of the sun's irradiation to generate power.

Of the site's four football pitches, two will be relocated next to Glodwick Cricket Club as the committee found people were being "put off" by the poor quality of the grounds which have often led to games being cancelled in poor weather conditions.

And finally, the committee hinted at a possible swimming pond which could sit north of the learning centre, if approved, to facilitate wild swimming.

The proposed plot already has a natural collection of surface water, but the outline application proposes to deepen it further.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance and low carbon, said: “I’m delighted colleagues have approved the hybrid planning application, which will pave the way for Northern Roots to really fulfil its potential to benefit communities in Oldham and the North West.

“Northern Roots has already created a number of jobs and business opportunities for local residents, training and educational opportunities for young people across Oldham, and artist commissions and arts events that reflect and celebrate Oldham’s rich culture.

"The Charity has also secured significant funding from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Community Renewal Fund and other funding bodies.

“Northern Roots has so much potential to create new opportunities for Oldhamers and put our borough on the map.”

As some of the Northern Roots site sits within green belt land, the application is being referred to the Secretary of State for review,

Pending the review, work will start on the new elements in late 2023.