A PUBLIC consultation has opened into plans to build a £15million, 78-home development off Huddersfield Road in Diggle.
As revealed in the August edition of the Independent, the site comprises two parcels of land on either side of the access road leading to the new Saddleworth School.
Letters are being sent to approximately 700 homes in the village for comments about proposals from Chadderton based WRT Developments.
There is also a website www.huddersfieldroaddiggle.co.uk for people to have their say.
The public has until September 25 to comment but all remarks will be considered before a planning application is submitted to Oldham Council in the coming months.
The feedback section will then continue to be open for responses up until a decision is made by the local authority.
Due to government advice around social distancing and the Covid-19 response, the developers are currently unable to stage a drop-in event.
If successful construction would start in 2021 to coincide with the building of Saddleworth School and finish in 2024 according to WRT whose officers listed at Companies House include Lee Tilley, Alan Rothwell and Philip Wiggett.
The proposals include scope for a range of house sizes, designed for first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers offering a range of 3, 4 and 5-bedroom dwellings.
A statement confirming the consultation states: “The land has a historic allocation for industrial/employment use but has been identified by the Council as a site with the potential to accommodate housing.
“The southern portion of the residential development is accessed via the access road which also serves the school, while the northern section has its own access directly off Huddersfield Road.”
Gillian Worden of P4 Planning said: “We are excited to present draft plans to deliver much-needed homes on this site which has been earmarked for development for many years.
“We understand the importance of delivering high-quality developments which reflect and enhance the local area.
“Beyond the pandemic, it will be more important than ever that planning applications, which create jobs, homes and economic investment, are progressed.
“We encourage residents to get in touch via the feedback section of our new website, or through written submission.”
Written submissions are also possible to: Diggle consultation, c/o Social, 2nd Floor, 24-26 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1DW.
WRT Developments are described as “a consortium of businesspeople who all live in Saddleworth.
“WRT Developments are passionate about delivering a high-quality development on land off Huddersfield Road, and aim to deliver a scheme which will play a major role in reinforcing Diggle as a place of choice.”
Can I ask how will Uppermill cope with all the extra traffic.? It’s not just about the ruin of the land but the impact on the rest of the area. The pollution the danger to pedestrians and the overall unpleasant experience of having to walk along the high street.
A little miss leading – Where is the ‘first time’ buyer supported and down sizing? No two bedded properties?
Three bedroom homes are for families and down sizers too.
Not everyone will be able to purchase a three bedroom home.
The traffic is horrendous now! Let alone with this development. The Saddleworth infrastructure cannot cope ! 4 weeks to get a doctors appointment! Be building an additional doctors surgery as well? I doubt it. No wonder everyone is moving over the hill to Marsden and Holmfirth.
When do first time buyers and downsizers buy brand new 3, 4, & 5 bed homes? A selection of 2 bed properties for first time local buyers should be included
I really cant see a need for a 5 bedroom home. There should be more consideration for local 1st time buyers which means two bedroom dwellings. Will these new homes be the bog standard off the self design. Will the area get and upgrade in internet access. 78 more homes demanding a share and the school also. It also strikes me that they will fit 78 homes on the site. The green space will be very small has parking will be required. Oh and I hope they are not considering those tall townhouses. They will look out of place.