Oldham Council's planning committee refused outline permission for 26 homes at Wall Hill Mill in Dobcross on Wednesday, November 11, turning down a scheme that officers had recommended for approval. Angela and Ian Dronsfield had applied to demolish buildings on the Wall Hill Road site and build the properties there.

The refusal was welcomed by K&M Global, the vehicle dismantling, servicing and parts recycling business based at the mill. Saddleworth West and Lees councillor Peter Klonowski told the hearing the jobs on site matter locally: "The kind of jobs that are there are quite unusual in Saddleworth." Saddleworth Independent reported the decision.