72 new homes could be built in Oldham as decision looms

Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to build a total of 72 new homes on land south of Rosary Road in Fitton Hill, behind an existing housing estate.

The land has been allocated for housing within the Places for Everyone scheme, which looks to develop housing across Greater Manchester, including thousands in Oldham.

Now, members of Oldham Council's planning committee have been recommended to approve the scheme at a meeting next week.

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The development would see 37 two-bedroom homes and 35 three-bedroom homes built, all of which would be made available as part of an affordable housing provision.

An application report prepared by an Oldham Council planning officer explained that 46 houses would be available through social rent while the other 26 would be part of a rent to buy scheme.

The report said the homes would help to address the housing supply issue in Oldham, while also helping more people own homes through affordable housing.

Vistry Group Manchester and Cheshire East would deliver the homes and is also completing the nearby Hartshead View development, which will have more than 100 homes.

The properties would have a mix of designs (Image: Vistry Group)

The site lies just 110 metres north of Bank Top Farmhouse, a Grade-II listed building which currently operates as an Airbnb.

According to the planning officer, the proposed housing scheme would cause some harm to the listed building, as the openness of the surrounding area would be affected, leading to some impact to the rural character of the setting.

However, it has been determined that this harm would be limited and would be outweighed by the benefits of housing being provided.

After the application was submitted, some residents expressed their opposition to the plans, citing concerns around privacy, noise, traffic and the impact on wildlife.

One resident wrote: "If the proposal is approved, it will definitely worsen the current situation and increase the traffic in the nearby area and the main busy road, Ashton Road.

"We, the local residents, will suffer from more traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution, and inconvenience in our daily lives."

Another said the proposed homes would be built "so close" to the existing properties that it would "significantly" reduce the privacy of current residents. 

Councillors on the planning committee will decide on the application on Wednesday, December 17.