Land risk to housing plan

PLANNING application . . . to build 26 houses

THE Coal Authority has objected to a housing development at a former mill site over concerns the land is "unstable."

Plans were submitted to demolish Wall Hill Mill in Dobcross to make way for 26 new houses on green belt land.

But the government body which manages the effects of past coal mining recommended Oldham Council block the plans on the grounds of land instability.

The proposals put forward by Dronsfield Mercedes will go before council tomorrow.

The developers previously submitted an application to convert four of the mill buildings in preparation for a 40-property build with car parking. But they now hope to demolish rather than convert the mill buildings in order to develop 26 houses on the land, situated at the bottom of a valley.

Case officer Brian Smith said in the report: "The applicant no longer has an appetite for simply converting the existing mill buildings.

"The applicant has failed to adequately demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Coal Authority that past mining activity does not pose any risk to the proposed development in relation to issues of land instability."

A mixture of two and three-storey properties would be built and access to the 1.7-hectare site would continue to be via Mill Lane.

The Coal Authority said in the report: "The Contaminated Land Report does not provide sufficient information to determine whether issues of land instability can be satisfactorily overcome.

"It is suggested the applicant obtain appropriate and up-to-date coal mining information on past coal mining activities in relation to the site.

"The applicant should assess whether past mining activity poses any risk to the proposed development."

Objection letters were also filed by nearby residents who said a "lack of consideration" had been given for public footpaths and bridleways which are affected.

A resident at nearby Wall Hill Cottages expressed concern over the potential negative effects of surface water due to the new junction.

Others objected on the basis of the new access which was said to be "detrimental to highway safety."

The highway officer raised concerns over the existing access route's close proximity to the A62 Oldham Road but was "satisfied" that new access would improve the situation.

A new junction would be created with Huddersfield Road while the existing one which leads onto Wall Hill Road would be sealed.

The officer suggested the developer made a contribution of £7,500 for improvements to be made to the bridleway between Husteads Lane and the development which serves as a route to Holy Trinity School.

Saddleworth Parish Council recommended the proposals be approved subject to the development being contained within the existing brownfield site.

The conclusion of the report found that the plans would not harm the character and appearance of the area and could be achieved without a negative impact on the living conditions of nearby residents.

However, it emphasised the applicant's "failure to address the Coal Authority's concerns in respect of land instability" as the key reason for recommending that plans be refused.