Saddleworth Lib-Dems back Chew Valley Green Belt decision

Councillor Kevin Dawson pictured at Dovestone Reservoir

The news from Wednesday night’s Borough Council meeting that the Green Belt area of Chew Valley and Dovestone is no longer included in the land needed for the re-development of the derelict Fletchers Mill site has been welcomed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Kevin Dawson, on behalf of Saddleworth's Lib-Dems.

Cllr Dawson said: “Lib Dems on both the Borough and Parish Council worked consistently to keep house-building off the Green Belt, and the news that the fields near Dovestone and around the Fletcher’s mill site will hopefully no longer be built on is very good news for Saddleworth and Oldham.”

Lib-Dem campaigner Mick Scholes, who runs his business nearby, said: “Many parts of the local community have voiced their concerns about this development.

"We are determined to stop the new Tory planning proposals which will in future deny local people a say over local planning decisions.”

Jeff Garner, a Lib-Dem activist in Friezland, added: “The new outline plan for revamping the derelict mill next to Tesco in Greenfield is the type of imaginative use of previously built on, brownfield land we support.

"We will work hard to try and ensure there are enough affordable homes within every new brownfield development to meet the needs of local families.

"The success of the Chew Valley Green Belt campaign will hopefully encourage those fighting to keep our green, open spaces in other parts of the Borough - such as at Stonebreaks and Ashbrook Valley.”

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