Each area will have 'chapter' in local plan

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN . . . Saddleworth residents in discussion at Uppermill Civic Hall last night

THE Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan - the first of its kind in Oldham - was officially launched last night.

Around 50 residents attended an open meeting at the Civic Hall, organised by Saddleworth Parish Council to mark the start of the two-year project.

A presentation was delivered by parish councillor Rob Knotts to show how residents can have their say over the development of Saddleworth, followed by a question and answer session.

Under the Neighbourhood Plan, residents will contribute to the decision-making process alongside the parish council, Oldham Council and the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA)

Once evidence is gathered and a draft is drawn up, the Plan will be checked and reviewed by an independent examiner to ensure it aligns with the aims of the Local Plan - that is, the factors taken into account by Oldham Council when it decides on planning applications.

A community referendum will then be held - currently scheduled for October 2018 - and the Plan will be adopted if a simple majority of votes, above 50 per cent of those votes, is secured in favour.

Councillor Barbara Beeley (Liberal Democrat) said: "This is very much a blank canvas.

"We recognise that what people want to see done in Diggle doesn't necessarily apply to Springhead, so we intend to include chapters about each individual area. We will consult with each of the villages and discuss with those who have interests in the area, such as the historic trusts and civic trust, as well as local businesses."

Councillor Knotts (Independent) said: "It allows us to play a leading part in the long-term strategy for the area.

"We are looking for the 13 local community associations to develop elements of the plan for a specific area.

"It is not our plan as a parish council. It is your plan, your neighbourhood, your say. We ask you earnestly and vehemently to get involved."

A total of 60 action points have been plotted on a timeline by a steering group - made up of members of every political party, to keep the Plan impartial - who will oversee the two-year project.

The Plan will be drawn up between April and November, with a final consultation period scheduled to take place in November and December.

It is hoped the final draft will be submitted to Oldham Council and the PDNPA in January 2018.

Councillor Keith Lucas (Independent) emphasised the importance of including young people in the consultation, as the Plan will have implications for the next 30 to 40 years.

Residents who attended the meeting left their details on sign-in sheets to be kept informed.

The parish council promised to distribute a timetable, highlighting when councillors will meet with residents' groups, as well as updating its website with information.

Chairman of Denshaw Community Association Alan Roughley said: "It is not an easy task to bring the views of everyone together to make a cohesive story, but if we do not, we will not get very far. This is an opportunity to carve ourselves out as a unique and significant area."

Councillor Pam Byrne (Conservative), Saddleworth Parish Council chairman, said: "I want to thank Barbara for leading this forward and I hope that people do respond to the questions that are going to come."