Consultation launched on Oldham’s future development over next 15 years

Oldham has opened a consultation for residents to register their views on how the town should develop.

The council is preparing a new Local Plan – a document which will guide and manage growth and developments, such as housing, the local economy and community facilities, up to 2039.

Through previous consultations, people across the borough have been helping the local authority to develop the plan. It is now at draft plan stage, and an invitation has gone out for public engagement.

Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Housing and Licensing, said: “The Local Plan is a really important document that will shape the future of Oldham for the next 15 years, including how we make decisions on planning applications.

“The home you live in, the building where you work, your local supermarket – all of these developments at some point will have been through the planning process.

“Planning affects many aspects of our lives, and this consultation is an opportunity for you tell us what you think about the policies in the Draft Plan and to help shape the future of your town.”

The Local Plan includes policies to protect the environment, address climate change and increase accessibility for all residents.

It will also help to develop supporting infrastructure, such as transport, education and utilities.

The council is keen to know what matters most to residents and businesses so it has the buildings, homes and jobs that work for Oldham.

Topics include: Built environment, climate change and flood risk, communities, employment and economy, housing, natural environment , regional centres and transport.

The Local Plan is being prepared alongside Places for Everyone (PfE) – the long term plan of nine Greater Manchester councils for jobs, homes and sustainable growth.

It will ‘sit under’ PfE, addressing policies not covered by the framework, providing more detail on Oldham’s local planning priorities. The Draft Local Plan Consultation is open now until February 21, 2024.

The easiest way to register views and opinions is by taking part online via the consultation portal, Big Oldham Conversation.

There will also be a number of drop-in sessions. Consult www.oldham.gov.uk/localplanreview for details of these sessions including dates, times and venues.

Alternatively, comments can be emailed to SPI.Consultations@oldham.gov.uk or addressed to: Strategic Planning and Information, Economy, Skills and Neighbourhoods, Room 310, Level 3, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham OL1 1UH.