Allotment bid approved

DISUSED . . . the bowling green in Lees

A FORMER bowling green in Lees will be transformed into community allotments despite residents' fears over parking chaos and food attracting vermin.

Oldham Council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the plans for the disused bowling green and associated pavilion in Lees Park which were said to promote sustainability.

Four polytunnels will be constructed as well as five raised planting beds and a 2.4m fence.

Objections over plans "exacerbating parking issues" were overridden by council bosses at last night's planning meeting.

Resident Harold Russell raised concerns over increased traffic and a lack of parking spaces in Kingsley Drive, which is used by visitors to the park.

But at the meeting a highways officer said: "It is not an allotment site where lots of people will visit. This will probably generate less traffic than you could potentially have from a bowling green."

Councillor Rod Blyth added: "This allotment would create less parking issues than if someone took over the bowling green and returned it to its current use. This is the lesser of two evils."

Seven complaints were received during the consultation period, with residents suggesting the development would encourage crime, exacerbate existing drainage problems and exacerbate existing parking issues.

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

Others said the allotments would have a "negative visual impact".

However, councillors were supportive of the design of the soon-to-be vegetable growing hub and said there would be minimal impact on nearby residents.

Case officer Hannah Lucitt said in the application 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 3m-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."