A plan to bulldoze a B&M store in Oldham to make way for dozens of new homes is set for a council decision this week, despite objections from local residents over traffic and community impact.

The proposal, from developer Ropley Properties Ltd, would see the current store replaced with a block of flats, raising concerns among neighbours about the strain on already busy roads. One resident described the potential traffic increase as ‘serious and unacceptable’ in comments submitted to Oldham Council.

Others have called for improved pedestrian crossings on nearby stretches if the development goes ahead, particularly around the leisure centre and main roads, which are considered ‘dangerous when it is dark’. The loss of the store itself has also been flagged, with locals worried about the effect on shopping options and community footfall.

Oldham Council’s highways officers have reviewed the plans and concluded that the new homes would not cause a ‘severe’ impact on road networks. However, questions were raised over the proposed car parking spaces. The outline scheme includes just 20 standard spaces, while local policy typically requires 98 for a development of this size.

The applicant argues that the site is ‘central’ with ‘excellent public transport links’, making it a well-connected area where reliance on private cars should be minimised. Council officers accepted this reasoning, noting that the location supports sustainable travel.

Parking would be allocated on a ‘first-come, first-served basis’ for the two-bed flats, along with two disabled spaces and two motorbike bays. A cycle storage area is also planned, though specific details on capacity have been deferred to a later detailed application. Since the plans are at outline stage—considering the principle of development—these finer points will be worked out in a reserved matters submission.

The developer says the scheme would bring a ‘positive enhancement’ through landscaping and ‘significant improvement over the existing site’. Officers believe there would be ‘no direct harm’ to neighbouring residents, and all flats meet national space standards.

The planning committee is due to make its decision on Thursday (June 11). With mixed views from the community and technical agreements in place, the outcome will be closely watched by residents and local businesses alike.