Residents object to allotments bid

DISUSED . . . the bowling green at Lees park is subject to a planning application to provide allotments

OBJECTIONS have been filed over proposals to transform a former Lees bowling green into community allotments.

Under plans set to go before Oldham Council tomorrow the disused bowling green and nearby pavilion in Lees Park would be converted into allotments.

This would involve the construction of four polytunnels, five raised planting beds and a 2.4-metre fence surrounding the plot.

Residents wrote letters of opposition on the grounds that the move would "encourage crime" and "exacerbate parking issues", among other concerns.

Impact
The use of the land does not require planning permission from the council, who own the land, but council bosses will have their say on the use, design, impact on nearby residents, drainage and highway safety.

Case officer Hannah Lucitt said in the application report: "Objections included that the proposed development would encourage crime, exacerbate existing drainage problems and exacerbate existing parking issues."

Further opposition included that the existing play area, which is used by children and dog walkers alike, would be reduced.

Others said the allotments would have a "negative visual impact" and emphasised that the possibility of wind turbines and biomass boilers mentioned in the plans would be "unacceptable" in this area.

A total of seven complaints were received from nearby residents.

However no objections were made by the highways team, Sport England, drainage team or Greater Manchester Ecological Unit during the consultation period.

Plans for the site, which is accessed from Kingsley Drive, have been recommended for approval.

Ms Lucitt said in the report: "It is considered that the use of the site as an allotment contributes towards creating a sustainable community and promotes community cohesion across the borough, supports the transformation of education and skills and contributes to the improved health and wellbeing of people in Oldham.

"The proposed three-metre-high polytunnels will have a visual impact but this is not considered to be significant.

"Any impact on residential amenity and on the character of the area is considered limited.

"However any impact is compensated for by the social and environmental benefits."

Proposals were said to be compliant with policies relating to environment, design, sustainability, community, green infrastructure and open space.

If plans are given the go-ahead the development must begin within three years.