Eco home rejected as ‘not innovative’

The proposed development in Delph (next to the cars).

Oldham Planning Committee

Planners have rejected plans for an underground eco-house because they aren’t innovative enough.

Plans to build the house, which would be dug into the hillside, divided opinion before last night’s planning meeting and the committee’s vote was evenly split, six to six.

The site, at the applicant’s home, Delph Greave Barn in Lodge Lane, is downhill from four farm cottages that share an existing path. The plans received six letters of objection.

Six committee members agreed the environmentally conscious design with its grassed roof was innovative and met special requirements for building in the green belt. Other similar homes have already been approved in the borough.

But the other six members voted the plans weren’t innovative enough. Committee chairman Councillor Steve Bashforth, originally in support, had the casting vote.

The committee had engaged in a long debate over the proposal.

Applicant Catherine Bingley has lived in the area all her life and wanted her earth-sheltered home to blend in with the landscape. She now has the opion to appeal the decision.