D-day looms on plans for eco-camping site

GEOFF Woods and Mo Woods at the proposed eco-camp

CONTROVERSIAL plans for an eco-camping site in Delph will go before Oldham Council's planning committee tomorrow.

The Chronicle reported in April how the proposed plans at the redundant Rough Knarr Quarry had raised many objections from local residents.

In total, 50 letters were sent to Oldham Council. Their concerns were focused on the safety of access roads leading to the proposed site and worries about wildlife.

Two letters have been received by the council in favour of the application.

The plans were submitted by Geoff Woods, a retired construction company director, who defended his eco plan at the three-acre site off Thurston Clough Road.

Mr Woods and his wife Mo, deputy head at St Edward's School, Lees, are seeking to install nine glamping pods, 10 camping plots and one 12-person yurt, a minimum of 32 car-parking spaces and with the existing site access to meet current standards.

Other amenities would use reclaimed materials and include a toilet and shower block with disabled facilities, a separate communal kitchen and an office/site shop with staff accommodation.

Local ward councillors Garth Harkness, Nicola Kirkham and Derek Heffernan are also concerned about congestion problems.

Councillor Harkness said: "The already damaged carriageway around Thurston Clough Road could not cope with a scheme on this scale. The entrance to the site is inadequate and is on a bend.

"Access up Stoneswood Road from Delph is already difficult the increased volume of traffic would make things worse.

"The access to the site and infrastructure within the immediate area is not sufficient for such a scheme.

"There also seems that there may be some adverse impact on local wildlife."

Planning officers have recommended for the plans to be refused, suggesting that the development would result in "inappropriate development" within the green belt, as well as citing traffic concerns.

The Chronicle tried to contact Mr Woods but he was unavailable for a comment.