New plans for Denshaw's Clough Manor refused

The site has been subject to numerous planning applications in recent years, all of which have been refused by Oldham Council's planning committee.

While Saddleworth Parish Council have rejected the plans, it will be up to Oldham Council to make the final decision.

This latest application, to convert the building’s uses from a hotel (C1) to a ‘residential institution’ (C2) was submitted by Saddleworth Holdings in March and went before the parish council’s planning committee in April.

The C2 ‘residential institution’ category refers to communal living facilities, where residents care for medical treatment, such as nursing homes and children’s homes.

According to the minutes from the meeting it was rejected “on the grounds that this proposal would not improve the area and it is not a sustainable location for a C2 institution".

The decision also cites a “lack of clarity on its proposed use”, as well as “safety and amenity concerns for neighbouring properties”.

It has been described as an “inappropriate development on greenbelt land” and the parish council has “also requested the existing damage to the site and environment be addressed”.

The application has also received 14 comments on the Oldham Council planning portal from concerned residents.

One resident claimed there had been a “lack of clarity” about the use of the site. They said: “As a nearby resident, this raises understandable concerns about the nature of the use and its potential impact on neighbouring properties.

“There is insufficient detail provided in relation to staffing, supervision, and operational management, including whether there will be a 24-hour presence on site.

“This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the likely impact on residential amenity and the safety and wellbeing of the surrounding community.”

Previous proposals for the site have included turning into a caravan site, apartments, a convenience store and coffee shop, and a HMO.