'This used to be a chocolate box village - now it's unrecognisable'
The article discusses the controversial Greater Manchester housing scheme 'Places for Everyone,' which aims to build 1,500 new homes, a town centre, and warehousing space on greenbelt land in Oldham. The development has sparked mixed reactions among locals, with some acknowledging the need for housing while others lament the loss of green space and express concerns about infrastructure strain. A public consultation is underway to gather resident feedback.
1,500 New Homes Planned for Oldham Greenbelt as Residents Divided Over Development
Developers are pushing forward with plans to build 1,500 new homes on 169 acres of former greenbelt land between Royton, Shaw, Moorside and Derker, transforming what locals describe as a “chocolate box village” setting into a major new neighbourhood.
The development at Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley represents one of the largest projects under Greater Manchester’s controversial Places for Everyone housing scheme, which aims to deliver 11,500 new homes across Oldham to address the housing crisis. The plans include a new town centre, three football pitches worth of warehousing space, affordable housing, green spaces and sports facilities.
Phillip Garforth, 86, who has lived beside Beal Valley for 30 years, discovered the development plans only when approached, despite his front door facing the proposed site. “I can’t believe it,” he said from his courtyard overlooking the lush green field. “Will they cut down my trees?” While unhappy about the changes, he acknowledged: “Someone’s gotta have big money to be building a development that size.”
Local opinion remains divided between preserving the area’s rural character and addressing housing needs. Jade Veevers, 42, a mother living in nearby new-build properties, supports the development: “People need places to live. Young families need somewhere to live. And I know some people aren’t happy about losing the green space. But we’ve still got this park here,” she said, pointing to Heyside Park.
However, Sue Warburton, 73, who moved to Royton in 1968, lamented the transformation: “When I moved here in 1968, Royton was a village. The kind of butcher, baker, you name it, a proper little chocolate box village. Now it’s a town. They’ve already built so much in that time. How many more houses are they going to build?”
Traffic congestion between Shaw and Royton during rush hour represents a major concern, along with pressure on school places and GP services. Alison, 48, a mother who has worked with developers, expressed skepticism: “I know the promises they make to get things over the line - but I won’t believe it until I see it.”
The developer consortium - Casey, Grasscroft Property, Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, and Wain Homes - has pledged infrastructure improvements including either a new school or substantial financial contribution to local education, plus support for a new tram stop and park & ride facility, likely at Cop Road on the existing line between Derker and Shaw.
With over 7,000 people on Oldham’s housing waiting list, the 1,500 homes planned for construction over 15 years represent a fraction of the demand. Residents can share their views through an online consultation or at an in-person session at St. Anne’s Rugby Club in Higginshaw on Monday, July 14.
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