Mixed-use residential redevelopment at Former Civic Centre & Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham

What was proposed

The application sought demolition, a six-storey block with 93 homes, and outline permission for up to 745 further homes and supporting uses.

“The full part of the application relates to the north-west corner of the site fronting onto Rochdale Road and New Radcliffe Street. This will comprise a six storey, U-shaped residential block comprising 93 dwellings with a mix of 35 x one-bedroom apartments, 52 x two-bedroom apartments, and 6 x three-bedroom apartments.”

“The outline part of the application, for which all matters except the primary access arrangement are reserved for subsequent approval, comprises further residential development of up to 745 dwellings in five buildings ranging in height between 11 and 16 storeys. Ancillary commercial, business and service uses (Use Classes E and F1) will also be provided.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 2.19-hectare site contains municipal offices, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and car parks near Oldham town centre, with the bus station to the east.

“The application relates to a site of 2.19 hectares located towards the western edge of Oldham town centre. It presently comprises a L-shaped block used as municipal offices alongside the western (Rochdale Road) and southern (West Street) site boundaries and the Queen Elizabeth Hall located centrally within the site.”

“To the north of the site across New Radcliffe Street is an apartment block and the Oldham Integrated Care Centre. Across Rochdale Road to the west is Oldham College.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier applications for changes to the existing buildings were approved, but none were relevant to this application.

“The existing buildings were erected in phases during the 1970s. Various applications for subsequent changes within the site have been approved. None are relevant to the present application.”

“This Planning Committee agenda however includes 5 further applications related to the regeneration of the town centre.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and environmental health officers raised no objections subject to conditions, while other consultees requested measures covering drainage, biodiversity, trees, investigations and active travel.

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

“Active Travel England No objections subject to improvements in active travel infrastructure around the site.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application was advertised as a major development, and no 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 site notices, 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.

The committee vote

Councillor Murphy moved approval, seconded by Councillor Akhtar; 14 members voted for, none against and one abstained.

“It was MOVED by Councillor Murphy and SECONDED by Councillor Akhtar that the application be APPROVED.”

“On being put to the vote 14 VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR OF APPROVAL and 0 VOTES were cast AGAINST with 1 ABSTENTIONS.”

Minutes

The decision

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

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

Minutes