Quarry could be home to new houses

AN aerial view of Springhead Quarry with the area planned for houses highlighted

A FORMER Springhead quarry could be transformed into a modern housing development.

Hyde firm Phillip Millson Architects Ltd has drawn up plans to build 61 three, four and five-bedroom terrace, semi-detached and detached houses on the site.

The proposals include an access road from Cooper Street at the junction with Walkers Lane with a mini roundabout to control traffic.

Residents were invited to have a look at the plans and air their views at a meeting with the architects and local planners Chorlton Planning Ltd.

Their worries include increased traffic, reduced car parking in Cooper Street, the effect on wildlife, plants and trees and the loss of any open space.

Alan Chorlton, of Chorlton Planning Ltd, said: “The quarry has been disused for some time and the plans include moves to lower the edges as they are currently very steep and dangerous. The floor level of the quarry will be raised so the houses won’t look like they are sunk into a pit.

“There is also lots of open space surrounding the quarry and the plans will not affect any of this — it will just concentrate on the quarry itself and the access road.

“Surrounding residents will not really be affected by the development apart from the access road.”

The proposals will now be discussed by Chorlton Planning Ltd and the architects, and any necessary modifications will be made on the back of concerns raised at the residents’ meetings.

The application will then be submitted to Oldham Council early next year, and any residents affected by the proposal will be contacted and given the chance to make any objections or comments.

If anyone would like to discuss the application in more detail they can contact Chorlton Planning Ltd on 0161-624 3001 to make an appointment to view the plans.