An international vehicle firm is locked in a dispute with its landlord over plans to demolish an Oldham mill and build 26 homes on the site, which the company's owners describe as an 'eyesore'.
The plans, submitted for Wall Hill Mill off Wall Hill Road in Dobcross, would see the buildings demolished. The Saddleworth site sits in the greenbelt but is classed as previously developed land because of the mill. A large industrial building stands on the plot alongside the remains of the older mill.
Homes in the area have previously been granted planning permission, and the land's owners argue assessments show the land is unviable for employment.
Firm's objections
K&M Global Limited, which rents the site, opposes the changes. The company says it is thriving, employs 25 people, has an annual turnover in excess of £5m and has invested £300,000 in improving the site.
The business, a vehicle dismantler, servicer and recycler, has used the site for the last six years. Alan Chorlton of Chorlton Planning, defending the firm, said it exports to Cyprus and South Africa.
If the homes were built, Mr Chorlton said the firm would struggle to relocate due to a lack of alternative sites, and asked councillors to vote in favour of 'jobs not houses'.
Applicant's case
Angela Dronsfield, who requested planning permission from Oldham council, said the development would remove an 'existing eyesore', stop vehicles blocking a public bridleway, and prevent lorries 'getting stuck and damaging walls'.
Her company, Dronsfield Mercedes, historically used the plot. She said it was now 'disappointing to see the site as it is today'. Ms Dronsfield described the development as a 'small hamlet development reflecting Saddleworth's character' that 'could become somewhere people are proud to call home'.
An assessment by Stannybrook Property Consultants suggested a number of employment and business-related scenarios were unviable. This was supported by an independent survey commissioned by Oldham council, while further evidence suggests the site is deteriorating and needs major investment.
Council decision
At an Oldham council planning committee meeting on November 11, councillors refused the application on the basis it conflicted with local policies and the sustainability of the location. Planning officers warned about the risk of appeal and costs potentially awarded against the council.
At the same meeting, councillors approved plans at Waterside Mill in Greenfield, below the Dovestone reservoir. The scheme will include a mix of houses and apartments, now available for anyone to buy after fears that a development for those over 55 could make the scheme unviable.
The lack of affordable housing was a key frustration. Councillor Josh Charters said: "It's a very nice part of Saddleworth in that bit of Greenfield. They are going to be expensive."
John Tanner from Tanner Bros (Greenfield) Limited said the firm was not looking to make a profit and may explore seeking funding to deliver affordable housing. If the development became profitable, bosses would look to reinvest in creating a 'beautiful site'. He said: "We are not developers. The building we know in discussions with developers and builders will be an extremely expensive conversation but we want that to happen rather than leave the mill in rack and ruin and I think that would be such a shame."
