Oldham residents oppose estate becoming 'through road' for new homes

Residents of Bullcote Green in Royton are fighting plans that would turn their quiet estate into a major traffic route for a massive new housing development. More than 60 locals have signed a petition opposing proposals that would make Bullcote Lane one-way eastbound and use Bullcote Green as the main road for 248 new homes being built nearby.

Brian Gilbraith, a 71-year-old retired engineer who lives on the estate, says the plans would 'destroy the nature' of their community. 'Our main function is changing to become a transport link,' he explains. 'With that change there are safety hazards for children who play in the area, noise, pollution and gridlock.

The development is part of a much larger 1,700-home Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss masterplan approved by Oldham Council last year. Residents want the developer, Kellen Homes, to build a new spine road in the first phase rather than waiting years for it. They say this would protect their neighbourhood while still allowing access to the new homes.

Oldham Council has launched a consultation on the plans, which runs until March 27. The developer says the changes address concerns about Bullcote Lane for vehicles and pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren walking to Royton. But residents like Gilbraith fear their quality of life will be permanently damaged, with reduced house values and a neighbourhood that's no longer a safe place for families.