Up to 219 homes at Former Magistrates Court, Oldham

What was proposed

An outline scheme would provide up to 219 homes with access, servicing, parking, public realm and landscaping, while most details remained reserved.

“Proposal: Outline planning application comprising residential development (Use Class C3); with associated access, servicing, parking, public realm and landscaping. All matters reserved for future determination save for primary access.”

“The proposal seeks approval for the redevelopment of the site for residential purposes comprising up to 219 homes. The application is submitted in outline form with all detailed matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale) reserved for subsequent approval.”

Officer report

The site

The cleared former court site lies beside the town centre, bus station, leisure centre, police station and other buildings, with established trees on its boundaries.

“Oldham Leisure Centre is situated to the west across a landscaped roundabout. To the south, where vehicular access to the site is available, is Oldham Police Station and King Street Buildings. Manchester Chambers is to the east.”

“The site levels fall away in an east to west direction. The site was cleared of buildings following the demolition of the former Oldham Magistrates’ Court in 2019.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The former court was demolished in 2019, after earlier permission for demolition and a later approval concerning the surrounding fence.

“DM/343949/19 - Materials and height alterations to fence surrounding demolition site. Approved 22 November 2019”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and police officers raised no objections, while consultees requested conditions or further work on drainage, ecology, trees, archaeology, noise and ground conditions.

“Highways Officer No objections subject to conditions in relation to access, cycling provision, a travel plan, and a Construction Management Plan.”

“G M Ecology Unit The applicant will be required to demonstrate that the development can achieve a gain in biodiversity of at least 10%. Trees Officer No objections subject to replacement tree planting at a 2 for 1 ratio and submission of an Arboricultural Method Statement and full planting specification.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application was advertised as a major development, but no public representations were received.

“In accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, and the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement, the application has been advertised as a major development by display of a site notice, and publication of a press notice.”

“In response no representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant attended the meeting and addressed the committee about the application.

The committee vote

Councillor Nasheen moved approval, Councillor Iqbal seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously in favour.

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

“On being put to the vote, it was UNANIMOUSLY cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL”

Minutes

The decision

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

“DECISION: That the application be GRANTED subjected to the conditions as outlined in the report.”

Minutes