Therapy business blocked

SHAW United Reformed Church

RESIDENTS and councillors have opposed plans to open an holistic therapy centre in Shaw.

They were concerned that the proposal would mean a business being created in an unsuitable residential area.

Seven members of the public attended the meeting to raise objections against the application to erect a two-storey building containing the centre at Hillcrest, Newbarn Street.

They were also against a separate proposal by the same applicant to erect another two-storey building next to it that would provide living accommodation and garages.

Councillors agreed to recommend refusal saying both applications were contrary to Oldham Council’s Unitary Development Plan.

The centre would be a business development away from the town centre that would generate traffic with the noise, unsuitable opening hours and highway safety problems impacting adversely on residents, they argued.

It would also cause a loss of privacy to neighbours and there was inadequate provision for parking. They were also against the unsuitable design of the living quarters building, saying it would be too close to adjoining properties and would overlook a pub with an outside area. There were also concerns that wildlife in the area would be affected.

Holistic therapy is defined as complementary or alternative treatments designed for mind, body and spirit.

Members had concerns that the plans could be delegated to planning officers for a decision, leaving residents unable to state their case, and have requested that it go before Oldham Council’s Planning Committee instead.




Church faces demolition



PLANS to demolish 115-year-old Shaw United Reformed Church were recommended for approval.



The Rochdale Road building would be replaced by a three-storey block of six apartments if the plans get the go-ahead.

The existing church hall would be extended to provide a replacement worship area and a community facility.