SADDLEWORTH may be home to a new temporary campsite after planning authorities were notified.
Land close to Brun Clough Reservoir, beside the main A62 route above Diggle, would see 40 pitches created.
And the applicant hopes to operate over weekends until the end of October this year.
In a letter, they acknowledge concerns over use of agricultural land, especially given recent moorland fires.
The state it will be for tents only and add: “The campsite will operate on selected weekends only, with guests generally arriving on Friday and departing by Sunday.
“The site will have two moveable toilet units, each with integral handwashing facilities, soap and water and waste emptied and disposed of by a professional toilet hire/waste company.
“Two 1,000-litre tanks providing non-potable water for general washing and cleaning only and clear signage stating that the water is not for drinking or cooking.
“Guests will be required to provide their own drinking and cooking water and there will be commercial refuse and waste-disposal arrangements.
“Open fires and disposable barbecues will not be permitted anywhere and suitable fire-safety measures, designated fire points and signage will be provided, and emergency vehicle access will be kept clear at all times.”
Main public access will be via the top gate to the area and a central lane will be used by vehicles and for emergency access.
A proposed layout of the site has been provided and Oldham Council, which has noted the class BC application, which does not require full planning permission if land is used for 60 days a year or less.
However, objections have been raised , with many raising the issue of barbecues, even though the applicant insists they will not be permitted.
A public spaces protection order (PSPO) was also highlighted as one states: “Anyone who lives in or knows the area understands how fragile Saddleworth Moor is.
“We have seen devastating moorland fires over recent years that took weeks to control, destroyed habitat, put lives at risk, and cost emergency services hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“Because there are no cafes, shops, or facilities nearby, 40 groups of campers will use campfires and barbecues to cook meals. Disposable BBQs are a major trigger for moorland fires in this exact area.
“Oldham Council implemented an Open Moorlands Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) specifically to ban barbecues and open fires on Saddleworth Moor.
“Placing a large campsite right on the edge of the moor directly contradicts the council’s own fire-prevention policies and quite frankly is ridiculous.”
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