New Saddleworth School can finally happen

New Saddleworth School approved

Now that the period to call a judicial review is over, the building of a £19.2m Saddleworth school can finally happen.

This was met with delight by Saddleworth Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness.

He said: “I am delighted that a new school can now be finally be built.

"I have always been clear from day one that I want a new school wherever the Education Funding Agency saw it as appropriate.

"It has been clear for some time that that place was Diggle.

"There has been a lot of strong feeling about this and at times I have been met with abuse.

"We now need to move on from this.”

The process has gone on for over seven years and has seen a series of delays including a Judicial Review on the previous application.

Councillor Harkness added: “The planning committee has come under some reasonable criticism recently and it is clear that the process over Saddleworth School was not handled well in the past.

"I have to say that the scrutiny, process and attention to detail on with regards to the recent Saddleworth school application has been excellent.

“Some people will not be happy with the outcome and there has been a lot of contention.

"We now need to make it work for everyone and deliver the new school."

The school will be a modern learning centre for 1,300 students.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.