CONCERNED RESIDENTS are rallying against possible plans for 12 new houses on a green field area in Diggle, which they claim would cause dangerous access problems.
Outline planning permission has been submitted on behalf of Unity Partnership to Oldham Council, which could pave way for two detached and ten semi-detached houses to be erected at Ward Lane.
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Lesley Brown said residents have been considering buying the land, which is rented out for grazing, to develop an allotment area for families.
But she added if planning permission is approved, the price of the land would increase from its current value and so put the purchase out of residents’ reach.
“People want to see the land stay as green field and be used for the community,” said Cllr Brown.
“There has been a tremendous amount of opposition from residents, who were not all informed about what is happening.”
After receiving numerous complaints, Cllr Brown put together a petition with residents to highlight their opposition to case officer Martyn Leigh.
She added: “Building there would cause access problems over the narrow bridge over the railway jus by the land and improvements would have to be carried out.
“It is an extremely busy road with the houses already there and access would be very dangerous.”
The planning application notes “access to be considered” around the land, which is boarded by the railway on one side and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal on the other.
Oldham Council confirmed the planning application will be considered at the August or September planning meeting but could not comment further.
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