Planning chiefs finally open door to housing

GREEN light for the new housing development on Streetbridge, Chadderton

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COUNCILLORS approved the construction of nine houses on a Green Belt in Chadderton after they were previously blocked three times.

The decision over the development of the Streetbridge Works is subject to supportive responses from the Coal Authority and Environment Agency which remain outstanding.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of developing the Street Bridge Road site which was formerly used as a bleach works with garages, workshops and yard area.

Planning applications to develop nine houses were previously blocked in June 2010, June 2011 and July 2013 over concerns that it involved urbanising the Green Belt. But the demolition of the commercial buildings was granted in October 2015 ahead of this latest consideration.

Councillor Steven Bashforth said: "While it is in Green Belt land it is an area of previously developed land."

The size of the properties, appearance and landscaping were all areas of consideration for the council.

Case officer Richard Byrne said in the report: "Officers note the complex planning history associated with the site. However particular attention is drawn to the approved outline planning permission granted in 2015.

"Using the previous decision of the planning inspectorate, its effect to the openness and visual amenity is not considered severely harmful when considered against the former condition of the site which led to the approval of the outline application.

"It is considered that the development would have no greater visual impact than the existing development on the site."

Planning officers also found the urban design of the development to be "acceptable".

Woodland surrounding the site and a reduced overall footprint in comparison to the previous commercial buildings were cited as reasons for passing the plans.

Northern Design Partnership on behalf of the applicants will now move forward with plans to build four houses along the existing access road leading from Middleton Road.

The remaining five houses will form a cul-de-sac accessed by a private driveway. Each of the nine properties will have their own private garden, separated by a 1.8 metre high fence.

Only one response was given about the development following a period of notice whereby a resident expressed their "general support" and said it would improve the visual appearance of the site.