Fresh plans for Springhead Quarry and Stone Breaks quarries site and protected green space

An outline application has been sent to the council to construct 158 homes on land off Cooper Street, where Springhead Quarry and Stone Breaks quarry were once in use.

The site, which is bounded by a conservation area, has been subject to several planning applications over the years, which were strongly opposed by residents.

The plans have been put forward by the Stonebreaks Group, a group of landowners who jointly own the land, and are working with development company the Millson Group.

A 2011 application by the same developer for 61 homes was approved the following year, despite a backlash, but due to "viability issues" never progressed.

A planning document with the new plans states: “It is clear that the proposals represent sustainable development which will make a positive difference, creating an appealing neighbourhood which respects its context and caters for identified needs.

“It was confirmed through the resolution to grant planning permission for residential development on the former quarry site in 2012 that it was considered that the principle of residential development in this location is appropriate.

“Those proposals were not viable to implement, and development is therefore proposed outside of the quarry in order to ensure that the scheme is financially sustainable.

“The wider proposal secures the development of the quarry and contributes to regeneration priorities, including the delivery of homes on brownfield sites, as well as providing much-needed market and affordable homes."

It added: “Assessment has also been made in relation to potential impact on the character and appearance of the Stone Breaks Conservation Area, part of which lies within the application site.

“It is established that the proposed scheme has been sensitively designed to respond to designated heritage assets and their setting, as well as the characteristics of the site as ‘Other Protected Open Land’.

“The assessment concludes that the proposed scheme will not have a material adverse impact on identified designated heritage assets.

“Were it to be judged that some harm was attributable to the proposed development then this would amount to less than substantial harm only.”

The applicant also pointed out that it has been considered before that “the site could present opportunities for anti-social behaviour if left undeveloped and the steep sides of the quarry face present a danger to the users of footpaths routes”.

There will be two-bed apartments and two to five-bed houses at the site under the proposals.

The document added: “This is the type of development that Oldham Council should be aspiring to deliver and, by supporting its delivery through the grant of planning permission, the council will be supporting its own stated objectives, as expressed in the adopted development plan.

“For these reasons, there is a compelling case for the approval of the planning application, and planning permission should be granted at the earliest opportunity.”