147 affordable homes at Land At Southlink, Oldham

What was proposed

The application proposed 147 homes, all affordable, with access, parking, open space, landscaping and a mix of apartments and family houses.

“The proposal is for the construction of 147 residential dwellings, all of which would be delivered as 100% affordable housing. The affordable housing will be provided in partnership with First Choice Homes Oldham and will comprise a mix of Social Rent, Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership tenures in accordance with the submitted Affordable Housing Statement.”

“Smaller homes (1- and 2-bed units) make up 66% of the total provision, supporting affordability and access to the housing market. Larger 3- and 4-bed houses provide family-sized accommodation, ensuring the development meets a broad range of local needs.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 3.92-hectare brownfield site included a vacant office, car parking, a disused railway cutting, vegetation and informal footpaths near Oldham town centre.

“The site covers approximately 3.92 hectares of previously developed land at Oldham Mumps. It consists of a vacant office building, areas of hardstanding used for surface car parking, and extensive brownfield ground. A disused railway cutting runs east–west through the centre of the land. Vegetation has naturally re-established across large parts of the site, including areas of young and semi-mature broadleaved trees, scrub, tall grasses and unmanaged groundcover.”

“The site lies within the defined Oldham Town Centre boundary, as set out in the Oldham Local Plan and occupies a prominent position adjacent to the A62 Oldham Way, a key arterial double carriageway taking traffic around Oldham. The site benefits from excellent accessibility to Oldham Mumps Metrolink Interchange. The site is also within walking distance of a wide range of amenities including supermarkets, schools, Alexandra Park and the town centre’s retail core.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The former railway station was cleared after closing in 2009, and later planning activity included highway works, office demolition, a telecommunications application and a temporary tram stop.

“Most of the application site comprises the location of the former Oldham Mumps Railway Station, which was decommissioned in 2009 and subsequently cleared. More recent planning activity reflects the site’s transitional nature.”

“Pre-application advice has been given to the applicant in advance of submitting the planning application.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the sustainable brownfield development’s housing and regeneration benefits outweighed limited harms involving density, frontage, trees and education capacity.

“The net density achieved is lower than would ordinarily be expected for a highly accessible brownfield site in this location. Whilst the position is justified by the site's physical constraints, the operational requirements of the Registered Provider and the objective of delivering a meaningful proportion of family housing, the scheme nevertheless results in a limited conflict with the efficient use of land objectives of PfE Policy JP-H4.”

“The development would deliver 147 new homes in a sustainable urban location, making a meaningful contribution towards identified housing needs within the borough. National policy requires substantial weight to be given to the benefits of delivering homes which contribute towards meeting housing need. This benefit attracts Substantial Weight in favour of the proposal.”

Officer report

Comments from residents and groups

Four representations criticised the layout, design, biodiversity arrangements and temporary footpath closure, while requesting wildlife features and route reinstatement.

“Two representations request conditions requiring installation of integral swift nest bricks in accordance with BS 42021:2022, at a ratio of at least one per dwelling, plus additional provision for apartments. • Comments highlight to enhance biodiversity and support priority species such as swifts, house sparrows and starlings. • Support for biodiversity enhancements and wildlife-friendly design features, including hedgehog highways and integrated nest boxes.”

“Officer note: The footpath and active travel route running east–west through the site will be managed and maintained by the Council following completion of the development, ensuring the route remains safe, legible and well-overlooked. The management of any temporary closure during construction will be addressed through the Construction Method Statement, which is to be secured by pre-commencement condition.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant attended the meeting and addressed the committee.

The committee vote

A motion to approve was proposed and seconded, passing with seven votes in favour, two against and no abstentions.

“It was MOVED by Councillor Harkness and SECONDED by Councillor Hurley that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 7 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 2 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.”

Minutes