The ‘controversial’ plan to build 1,500 homes 'near new tram stop' on greenbelt
A controversial plan to build 1,500 homes on greenbelt land near Shaw in Oldham is under public consultation. The project, part of the Greater Manchester 'Places for Everyone' scheme, includes new neighbourhoods, a town centre, business park expansion, and a potential tram stop. Developers Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, Wain Homes, and The Casey Group are leading the initiative, which has faced opposition from greenbelt campaigners. The proposal includes mixed housing, a new school, and affordable housing pledges. Public meetings and online feedback are being sought.
Oldham’s greenbelt could lose three swathes of land to 1,500 new homes under a 15-year scheme unveiled by four house-builders who promise a tram stop, a school and 21,000 sq m of extra business space.
Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, Wain Homes and The Casey Group want to cover fields beside Oldham Road and Ripponden Road at Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley with a mix of one- and two-bed flats, two- to five-bed houses and age-friendly accommodation, together with affordable units and new public green space.
The outline forms part of Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone plan, which earmarks 11,500 homes for Oldham. Government officials rejected the council’s bid to quit the scheme earlier this year after town-hall protests and a narrow vote to withdraw.
A vision statement released with the proposals says the sites “shall create new gateways into Oldham from Rochdale, the Pennines and the Peak District” and “provide high-quality homes and living environments for families, couples and individuals”. Each neighbourhood, it adds, “will have its own identity … focussed around a strong and vibrant public realm and a green space network”.
Residents can examine the plans at public meetings in St Thomas’ Moorside Community Centre on Friday 11 July and at St Anne’s Rugby Club, Higginshaw, on Monday 14 July, or comment online before the consultation closes.
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