Oldham Council has validated multiple planning applications across the borough over the past week. Applications include external wall insulation installations at properties on Tilbury Street and Ward Street, demolition and extension works at Bickerstaffe Close in Shaw, and a non-material amendment to a dwellinghouse on Sharon Avenue in Grasscroft. A change of use application proposes converting a two-bedroom dwellinghouse on Oldham Road in Royton to a four-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation. Other proposals include rebuilding a chimney stack on Saint John Street in Lees and cladding replacement works at Astoria on Scholes Street.
Oldham Council's planning committee will meet on March 11 to decide on a proposal to erect a shipping container takeaway at the junction of Silver Street and Peter Street. The site currently serves as parking space next to Clean Plate Kitchen and opposite Spindles Shopping Centre multi-storey car park. The council's Highway Engineer objected due to concerns about increased illegal parking near traffic lights at the Peter Street-Union Street junction, which could cause congestion and visibility issues. The engineer noted enforcement would be difficult and no practical prevention measures exist. Despite these concerns, planning officers recommend approval as the applicant is a direct relative of committee member Cllr Shoab Akhtar.
Oldham Council's planning committee will reconsider a proposal to convert a semi-detached home on Kevin Avenue, Royton, into a six-person HMO. The application, which includes a first-floor extension, was deferred last month due to parking permit concerns. The property owner is directly related to Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council. The proposal received nearly 40 online objections and a 59-signature petition citing parking, noise, and service impact concerns. Planning officers recommend approval, stating the property would receive two visitor parking permits plus driveway parking. The decision meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Werneth Primary School in Oldham has received planning approval from Oldham Council to build a new extension. The single-storey structure at the front of the building will house a dedicated special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) unit, allowing the school to expand its provision. The plans include a free-standing canopy in the children's playground. A planning officer's report described the design as modest with red brickwork and traditional windows, stating it would have minimal impact on the school's character and the surrounding street scene. The development is not directly adjacent to any residential properties and is exempt from biodiversity net gain requirements as it involves less than 25 square metres of hardstanding. The plans were approved on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Oldham Council approved a £20m project to convert Ram Mill's upper floors into 180 hotel rooms while the ground floor continues as a business centre. A separate application for 149 homes on Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, was approved despite traffic concerns, with 40% designated as affordable housing. Woodlands Primary School received permission to build a single-storey extension to create more SEND places, though several trees will be removed and replaced. The Butterworth Lane site previously housed South Chadderton School and Collective Spirit School, both closed following scandals.
Oldham Council has validated several planning applications submitted last week. Proposals include two-storey rear extensions at 73 Lea View in Royton and 39 Lindale Avenue in Chadderton. A property at 15 Belmont Avenue in Springhead seeks a two-storey side extension, rear dormer, and new front dormer. A single-storey rear extension is planned for 26 Becket Meadows. Additionally, Innovative Business Park on Derker Street has applied for two illuminated cut letter 'reception' wayfinding signs to be mounted on the entrance canopy.
Park Cake Limited has received permission to demolish the former Honeywell Arms pub at 491 Ashton Road in Oldham to expand its bakery grounds. The pub, which stood boarded-up since September 2024 after being purchased by the bakery, was a former Robinsons Brewery establishment that struggled to remain open. Council planners approved the demolition, citing the building's long-term decline and lack of investment since 2008. The demolition will take place over two weeks with restricted work hours to minimize impact on nearby residents.
Oldham Council has launched a public consultation on development plans for Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss. The masterplan proposes new housing, a Metrolink stop at Cop Road with park and ride, improved walking and cycling connections, and enhanced open spaces. Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said the plans will deliver affordable housing and better connectivity. The consultation runs from Monday 2nd March until Friday 27th March 2026. Documents are available online at www.oldham.gov.uk and in local libraries and the Spindles Shopping Centre Customer Service Centre.
Oldham resident Peter Burke, 74, has complained about three new IX Wireless broadband poles installed near his Broadway home, describing them as 'intrusive' and raising privacy concerns. The 15m tall poles allow visibility into bedrooms if someone were to climb them, according to Burke. He claims residents were only notified after installation via notices on nearby telegraph posts. The council told Burke they could not intervene as telegraph poles don't require council approval. IX Wireless stated they provided three weeks' prior notice and the poles are similar to standard lighting columns with a smaller footprint. Oldham Council explained they cannot override national planning regulations and have no opportunity to consult residents on such installations.
Residents of Bullcote Green in Oldham are opposing traffic plans for a 1,700-home development near Bullcote Lane, Royton. The proposals would make Bullcote Lane one-way eastbound and turn Bullcote Green into the main traffic route. More than 60 residents have signed a petition against the plans, citing concerns about noise, pollution, safety for children, and the destruction of their community. Retired engineer Brian Gilbraith, 71, said the plans would be 'devastating' and reduce house values. Residents prefer building a new spine road in the first phase rather than waiting. Oldham Council has launched a new consultation open until March 27, 2026.
A consortium of five housebuilders has submitted plans to build 1,700 homes on land around Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss in Oldham. The development includes new roads, a Metrolink stop at Cop Road, and local centres with community amenities. A draft masterplan was approved last year, with Kellen Homes already applying for 248 homes near Bullcote Lane. The council is conducting a new consultation using the same documents, causing a 12-month delay that could increase developers' costs. The land was allocated for housing under the Places for Everyone agreement, which faced opposition from greenbelt campaigners. Residents have raised concerns about traffic, parking, and lack of new facilities to support the additional households.
Planning application submitted to convert eight-bedroom home on Greenacres Road into respite care facility for children with additional needs. The facility would provide eight overnight and ten daytime places, operating 24/7 with 13 full-time staff. NW Care Property Limited is the applicant, with no internal or external changes planned. The property currently has 12 parking spaces and staff rotas are staggered to avoid peak clustering. The application seeks change of use permission as the property is currently a dwelling.
Planning application submitted to convert eight-bedroom home on Greenacres Road into respite care facility for children with additional needs. The facility would provide eight overnight places and ten daytime places, operating 24/7 with 13 full-time staff. NW Care Property Limited is the applicant, with no internal or external changes planned to the property. The site currently has 12 parking spaces that will remain unchanged. The facility would be accessed via Lynwood Drive, with staggered staff rotas to avoid peak clustering.
Oldham Council has validated multiple planning applications across the borough, including proposals for dormers at Barmouth Court and Brompton Street, a single-storey rear extension at Brewerton Road, and a retrospective stone garden wall and driveway at Westfield Drive in Grasscroft. Other applications include a non-material amendment to a Broadway Green development, a rear extension at Manor Farm Barn in Knowls Lane, and a certificate of lawful development for a single-storey extension in Argyll Close, Failsworth. Applications also cover a side extension with patio at Hill Top in Chadderton and a discharge of conditions for a Hathershaw site.
Oldham Council has validated multiple planning applications from March 17-23, 2026, including proposals for new dormers at Barmouth Court and Brompton Street, a single-storey rear extension at Brewerton Road, and a retrospective stone garden wall at Westfield Drive. Other applications include a non-material amendment to a Broadway Green development, a side extension with patio at Hill Top, and a certificate of lawful development for a single-storey extension at Argyll Close. A discharge of conditions application was also submitted for land off Thatcher Street.
Oldham Council has validated several planning applications from the past week, including proposals for new dormers at 3 Barmouth Court and 59 Brompton Street, a single-storey rear extension at 20 Brewerton Road, and a retrospective application for a stone garden wall and driveway at 2 Westfield Drive, Grasscroft. Other applications include a non-material amendment to Lydia Becker Way development, a side extension with patio at 1 Hill Top, Chadderton, and a certificate of lawful development for a single-storey extension at 13 Argyll Close, Failsworth. Applications also cover a rear extension to Manor Farm Barn and discharge of conditions for a site off Thatcher Street, Hathershaw.
Rigg Tech Ltd has issued a planning notice regarding an operating centre in Oldham. Landowners and occupiers near the site who believe their property use would be affected can make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE within 21 days. Representations must include reasons and be copied to the applicant at the address shown on the notice. A guide to making representations is available on the government website.
Construction has begun on Tommyfield Park, a new five-acre green space in Oldham town centre being delivered by Casey Construction on behalf of Oldham Council. The park will transform the former market site into a sustainable, self-sustaining area designed for residents, workers and visitors. Named after the historic Tommyfield Market, which operated for over 200 years, the park will feature biodiversity support and energy-efficient design. Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah described it as a special moment for Oldham, while Deputy Leader Cllr Abdul Jabbar emphasised the project's sustainability focus. The park is part of Oldham's wider regeneration plans, with the historic market relocating to The Spindles.