Have your say on Oldham's new Local Plan

Oldham Council has opened the last public review of its 2039 Local Plan, the document that will decide where houses, jobs, roads and schools can be built for the next 13 years. Residents have until 20 March to challenge or support the policies before the plan is locked and sent to a government inspector.

The Publication Plan replaces the draft that went out for comment in early 2024. It names the parcels of land that could be released for housing, the employment zones the council wants to keep, and the green strips and historic buildings it intends to shield from diggers.

Once adopted, the rules will be used to judge every planning application in the borough. They also set out the transport, utility and school upgrades that developers would be expected to fund as the population grows.

Deputy leader Councillor Elaine Taylor said the document shapes 'how we travel and spend our free time' and ties health, education and community safety into land-use decisions. After this six-week window closes, the council will forward the plan to the Secretary of State for an independent examination expected later this year.

Paper copies are available in all Oldham libraries and at the Customer Service Centre in Spindles. Comments must be submitted online or in writing before 20 March; no further changes will be possible once the inspection starts.