Oldham council has refused plans to demolish Wall Hill Mill in Dobcross and build 26 homes, following a dispute between the site's owners and the firm renting it.
The application, put forward by Angela Dronsfield, sought permission to clear the buildings off Wall Hill Road and create a residential development. The Saddleworth site lies in the greenbelt but is classed as previously developed land because of the mill's presence.
Tenant firm opposes demolition
K&M Global Limited, which rents the site, opposed the changes. The company, a vehicle dismantler, servicer and recycling business, said it employs 25 people, has a turnover in excess of £5m a year and invested £300,000 in improving the site. It has used the site for the last six years.
Alan Chorlton, from Chorlton Planning, defending the firm, said it exports to Cyprus and South Africa. He argued the business would struggle to relocate due to a lack of alternative sites and asked councillors to vote in favour of 'jobs not houses'.
Landowner cites 'eyesore' and unviability
Ms Dronsfield, who asked Oldham council for planning permission, 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, and she said it was now 'disappointing to see the site as it is today'.
She described the proposal 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, supported by an independent survey commissioned by Oldham council. Further evidence suggested the site is deteriorating and needs major investment.
Committee decision and nearby approval
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, available for anyone to buy after fears a development for those over 55 could make it 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 company 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."
