Homes plea for disused quarry

Birks Quarry.

THE leader of a community action group is urging the borough’s planning committee to support a move to turn a disused quarry into a haven for quality homes.

Robert Knotts, himself a Saddleworth parish councillor, chaired the Birks Quarry Action Group, a deputation of local residents living near the site at Austerlands.

Locals believed the community would be blighted when planning permission was granted for tipping operations at the six-acre site off the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield Road. Despite opposition by Oldham Council and residents, the application was granted on appeal and a subsequent appeal gave approval for access to heavy tipping traffic.

A set of traffic lights were installed at the site entrance on Huddersfield Road but were never used. Last week, a steady stream of locals and councillors attended an exhibition aimed at gaining views from residents.

After studying draft pictures of the site and one-to-one discussions with an architect and a planning consultant, Councillor Knotts said: “The proposed housing scheme at Birks Quarry was very welcome.

“The openness of the session gave residents an opportunity to present their views, concerns and suggestions with respect to the project.

“Overall there was a sense houses are very much preferred to a sustained future where a permit to tip in the quarry exists.

“It is understood the quarry is classified as green belt which normally precludes building opportunities.

“In this case, Oldham’s planning committee must support local concerns and allow the building project to overcome green belt considerations.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said: “I was delighted to be at the public consultation event and to see that it attracted a high level of interest.

“It is always best practice to get input from local residents before the submission of any planning application to take views on board.

“I look forward to seeing the final proposals in the near future.”

Oldham and Saddleworth parish councillor, Nicola Kirkham, said: “The plans have been carefully thought through.

“I believe this development could bring something good to Saddleworth. The range of two, three and four-bedroom houses would not seem to cause any major impact on the environment.

“There is a shortage of housing in the borough and this sort of development is most welcome.

“There will undoubtedly be some issues to be addressed at the entrance of the site and the main A62. The approach to the site seems a point of issue with certain residents but I’m sure all of their points can be addressed.

“The plans seem to be welcomed by most surrounding residents.”

Karen Donald, a local resident and member of the action group, said: “I am much happier with the residential development than with a tip.”