Futuristic homes hit a brick wall

Spencer Street with the more traditional-design of home

PLANS for futuristic housing in Werneth have been scrapped — but a housing association has stepped in to offer more traditional designs.

The Spencer Street development was touted as an eye-catching modern scheme in 2006 when young architects across Europe were invited to put forward designs.

It was to be developed by BASE — a joint venture between Barratt and Artisan — as the first new homes built under the Housing Market Renewal initiative in Werneth and the area was cleared of a number of commercial and industrial buildings in preparation.

But planning applications were delayed as the credit crunch impacted and funding became tight. Now, Oldham Council has agreed to work in partnership with Great Places Housing Group, which is consulting the community over more traditional designs.

The group is proposing to build 44 homes, from two to five bedroom, for both sale and rent, with a planning application to be submitted soon and building work starting early next year. Up to 120 homes will eventually be built in different phases.

The proposals include either separate accommodation for extra family members or downstairs reception rooms that provide an extra bedroom as and when required.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Residents have been consulted and most people want something that’s more traditional as a recognisable house. They don’t want futuristic.

“The council is looking forward to working with Great Places, which has an excellent track record, and will ensure much-needed high quality new homes for sale and rent on this site.”

Great Places assistant director of development, Kevin Williams, said: “This is a great scheme that will address local needs for quality housing, delivering just what people want and need, thanks to the consultation process.”

Previous award-winning partnership projects between Great Places and HMR include Selwyn Street, Coppice, a cutting-edge development of large family eco-homes with solar panels and wind turbines.

And developments in Devon Street and Norfolk Street, Werneth, combine new-builds and facelifts with streets transformed into two bespoke Home Zones, designed by residents.

Residents have attended consultation events and a focus group to influence the designs.

Naseem Mir, who has lived near the site for more than 20 years, said: “This area desperately needs new housing and it’s good that local people are being asked what they think.”

Her daughter Aisha said: “The plans were talked through in great detail, we’re excited to see what happens next.”