SADDLEWORTH Parish Council has criticised the decision to delay the adoption of the area’s Neighbourhood Plan until next year.
But the Oldham borough authority is blaming the postponement on the Conservative Party.
The document, which will help to shape what happens planning-wise over the next 20 years, gives people the power to develop a vision for their neighbourhood and have their say on what new homes, shops, offices and community facilities should look like, what infrastructure should be provided and ensuring the highest possible quality of development.
But news it will now not be adopted until March 2027 has been met with an outcry.
Oldham Council says the timetable for consultation, examination, referendum and adoption had been deferred by approximately six months.
But Saddleworth Parish Council’s strategic planning committee, on behalf of the whole authority, has hit out.
Its members told Saddleworth Independent: “We are extremely disappointed that Oldham Council Cabinet has seen fit to delay the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan by another six months.
“It would seem that work in other areas of the borough has been prioritised ahead of the Plan.
“The Strategic Planning Committee of the Parish Council has worked for seven years to produce this Plan and now, when it is complete and ready for the “official” part of the process Oldham sees fit to delay it.”
Saddleworth’s Neighbourhood Plan is backed by the Parish Council, which believes giving more power to the people wo live there can only be a good thing.
In a supporting letter, it states: “Our residents recognise that Saddleworth has a unique identity and culture and wish to have more influence over what happens in their area.
“But particularly the use of land, rather than leaving decisions to others who lack the benefit of local knowledge. In particular, our residents have a desire to ensure that development is sustainable.”
However, the Oldham authority placed the blame for the delay at the feet of the Conservative group, which is led by Saddleworth South Cllr Max Woodvine.
When asked by Saddleworth Independent, Cllr Elaine Taylor, deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “The delay mentioned by Saddleworth Parish Council is due to a decision of full council in passing a motion tabled by the Conservative Party.
“As a result, the Saddleworth Plan is taking longer to finalise.
“Even so, the team is working to maintain the new timetable for the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan, and ultimately take it forward for consultation and examination over the course of this year.”
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