New housing estate proposed for countryside site

A new housing estate of more than 50 homes is proposed to be built in the Oldham countryside.

Developer Miller Homes is currently consulting on plans for 52 ‘family’ houses on land behind Denbigh Drive in High Crompton.

The site has been earmarked for development as part of the Cowlishaw allocation of the controversial Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

Under the latest plans, there would be 25 three bedroom homes, and 27 four-bedroom properties.
The developer says that it would also see the retention and conservation of the ponds at Cowlishaw Farm and ‘high value’ marshy grassland.

Miller Homes states that it will be submitting a full planning application to the council, and if approved hopes to start construction in the summer of 2021.

This would mean the first properties would be occupied by spring in 2022.

However Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillor Diane Williamson said she was ‘shocked’ by the plans.

“It is not very nice to learn about the plans just before Christmas, residents and councillors had hoped that the land at Denbigh Drive may have been spared from the dreaded Greater Manchester Spatial Framework,” she said.

Coun Williamson added that she and other councillors would be knocking on doors in the neighbouring areas to inform residents about the proposals and gather reaction.

Miller Homes say that the land has been identified as an area for new housing and will be a ‘natural extension to the community in Crompton’, which would be located close to local schools, public transport and local amenities.

David Morris, strategic land director at Miller Homes said: “We are pleased to announce our plans in Crompton.

“This development gives us a great opportunity to continue our mission to build sustainable homes in quality places and contribute much-needed homes to tackle Oldham’s shortfall in housing supply.

“We pride ourselves on high-quality design and materials, ensuring energy efficiency.

“Our development also represents a multi-million- pound investment into the local economy, supporting over 30 jobs in the process.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with the local community and hearing their feedback before submitting our planning application to Oldham council.”

The company says the development will also be a ‘major investment’ into Crompton’s local economy, adding over £350,000 in New Homes Bonuses.

The consultation is running through a virtual public exhibition until Tuesday, December 22.

The plans and exhibition can be accessed by visiting crompton.consultationonline.co.uk

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