A derelict former transport depot in Middleton will be transformed into a new affordable housing development.

The site off Greenhill Road, once owned and operated by JW Lees Brewery, was left vacant just over 15 years ago.

Now the buildings left there will be demolished and replaced by 24 "high quality" homes, following planning committee approval.

The containers from the storage yard and the old transport depot will be removed before building work begins.

It is expected that all the two and three-bedroom homes will all be available for affordable rent (up to 80 per cent of market value), according to applicant J Walker Homes.

The two-storey homes will be run by housing association First Choice Homes Oldham, according to planning papers.

The Greenhill Road site will see two parking spaces allocated for the three-bed properties and one parking space for the two-bed properties.

The layout of the 24-home development planned for land off Greenhill Road in Middleton (Picture: Rochdale Council/J Walker Homes)

The layout of the 24-home development planned for land off Greenhill Road in Middleton (Picture: Rochdale Council/J Walker Homes)

Planning officers recommended approval for the scheme to the committee on September 26 as it would "provide much needed high quality affordable homes" and "deliver on the policy aspirations to deliver significant affordable housing growth". 

After the committee meeting in Number One Riverside approved the application, construction can start.

Although some objectors raised concerns over the small size of the site and possible impact on the local road network, planning officers believed the benefits of the scheme outweighed the local residents’ concerns.

Planning papers read: “The overall design, both layout and integrated landscaping will enable residents and visitors to enjoy the comfortable, clean and vibrant environment, where all age groups can live in the manner they wish, a contemporary development within a vernacular envelope.

“Full landscaping proposals are provided with the application, new trees and shrubs specified are generally native species of the size and nature appropriate to the setting.

"The specification of trees and shrubs with berries will encourage wildlife to visit the site.

“The scheme design does not rely upon standard house types, the units are bespoke to this development, both in their internal arrangement and fenestration.”