CCTV cameras approved for Holy Rosary Primary School in Oldham

Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Primary School in Oldham has been given the green light to install CCTV cameras on four six-metre poles around its grounds, despite strong objections from neighbours. The school's plans, which also include new exterior lighting, were approved by planning officers after the school removed a tannoy system that had sparked noise complaints.

Eleven residents living near the Shaw school objected to the proposals, raising concerns about privacy, light pollution, and potential impacts on property values. One neighbour described the six-metre high cameras as a 'direct threat to privacy' that could capture footage of private gardens and windows, while others worried about LED lighting disrupting sleep patterns and creating an 'eyesore' in the neighbourhood.

Planning officers addressed these concerns in their report, stating that the cameras would be designed to obscure images beyond the school boundaries and that lighting levels would not cause significant light pollution. The report concluded that the modified scheme would not lead to any significant adverse impact on the amenity of nearby residents, allowing the plans to move forward.

The approved cameras will be positioned on four poles around the school premises, with their directions of capture shown in the site plan submitted with the application. While the school can now proceed with installation, the decision highlights the ongoing tension between security measures and residents' concerns about privacy and neighbourhood character in Oldham's residential areas.