149-home residential development at Land At Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, Oldham

The site and its setting

The 4.4-hectare site was previously occupied by a school, has been vacant since 2017, and lies within a residential settlement with good accessibility.

“The application site at Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, comprises approximately 4.4 hectares of previously developed land, formerly occupied by the South Chadderton Free School. The site has remained vacant since the school’s closure in 2017 and subsequent demolition in 2020.”

“It lies within the settlement boundary and is situated in a predominantly residential area with excellent accessibility to public transport, local amenities and services.”

Officer report

Earlier use and permissions

The site had a long-established educational use, with earlier permissions mainly concerning alterations and demolition; none was considered to constrain this proposal.

“The application site has a long-established educational use, with a series of planning permissions granted over several decades primarily relating to the alteration of the existing buildings. More recently, prior approvals have been granted for the demolition of buildings associated with the former South Chadderton and Collective Spirit Schools (DM/335838/14 and DM/344844/20). None of the previous permissions are considered to constrain the current proposal.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and section 106 contributions for open space, education and transport.

“It recommended that the application is delegated to the Assistant Director Planning, Transport & Housing Delivery to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in this report and to the terms of the Section 106 agreement which covers the following matters:”

“Public Open Space: Financial contribution of £586,262.90 to address identified deficiencies in provision for children and young people and outdoor sports facilities. Final allocation to be agreed with the Parks and Greenspaces team. 50% of the contribution to be paid prior to first occupation, with the remainder payable prior to occupation of 50% of the dwellings.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme sustainable and policy-compliant, delivering brownfield housing, affordable homes, biodiversity measures and other benefits that outweighed identified harms.

“The scheme delivers 149 dwellings, including a policy-compliant mix of 2, 3 and 4- bedroom homes. It responds directly to identified local need. The proposal will make a meaningful contribution to Oldham’s housing supply and affordability. This is afforded Substantial Weight in favour of the development.”

“The proposed development represents a sustainable and policy-compliant scheme that makes efficient use of previously developed land, delivers much-needed housing and affordable provision, and incorporates high standards of design and sustainability. The benefits of the scheme clearly outweigh any identified harms.”

Officer report

What residents said

Objections concerned highways, noise, overlooking, infrastructure, design, open space, wildlife, air quality, surface water and flooding, with four further responses after amended plans.

“Officer Note: Concerns regarding overlooking, loss of daylight and the proximity of new dwellings to existing homes are addressed in paragraphs 15.1–15.3, which confirm that separation distances have been reviewed and amended during the application process to safeguard privacy, daylight and outlook for neighbouring residents.”

“Upon receipt of amended plans, a further round of notification was undertaken with neighbouring properties adjacent to the site. Four responses were received. One resident acknowledged improvements to spacing and landscaping but noted that properties directly overlook houses on Thorley Close; this is addressed under the Amenity section. Three further objections reiterated concerns expressed with the submitted proposals.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

An objector, the applicant and a ward member attended the meeting and addressed the committee.

The committee vote

The motion to approve was proposed and seconded, receiving 10 votes in favour, 3 against and 1 abstention.

“It was MOVED by Councillor S Hussain and SECONDED by Councillor Iqbal that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 10 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 3 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 1 ABSTENTION.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The application was granted subject to the report’s conditions, completion of a section 106 agreement and delegated authority to issue permission afterward.

“RESOLVED: That the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions as outlined in the report and the completion of a…”

Minutes