Five new flats rejected in Saddleworth

Plans to build a new apartment block in Uppermill, Saddleworth, have been rejected after they sparked fears among residents of ‘horrifying’ consequences. 

Developers Wiggett Construction wanted to build five new apartments in a three-storey building on Buckley Street. But town planners deemed the proposal ‘unsuitable’. 

Compared to the ‘traditional and historic’ layout of neighbouring terraced homes, the new block was considered ‘overdevelopment’ by planning officers. 

“Buckley Street would be ruined if this went ahead,” one objector stated. 

Pictured above: The site at Buckley Street, Uppermill.

The designs were also heavily criticised by neighbours, who claim the road is plagued by a ‘horrendous’ congestion and parking issue. 

The plans, designed by HNA Architects, include no off-road parking, meaning residents would have had to park on the street. HNA stated it was ‘not possible to provide any off-road parking’ due to the topography of the plot, and claimed it was in a ‘sustainable’ location with good bus links. 

They wrote: “As the development only comprises five units, the demand for parking is expected to be minor and will not impact existing parking facilities. … Removing the ability to park a car discourages the desire for car ownership.” 

But several objectors called the lack of parking provision ‘ridiculous’ in what they described as ‘one of the most congested roads in Uppermill’. 

“It is already at bursting point for parking,” one objector said. “I am already extremely concerned about safety on the road for the many families that live on Buckley street including my own children. 

“There’s not enough space to walk the pram on the path in many places forcing children and babies into the road where there is a tight and often blind spot for cars and many delivery vans coming up and reversing back. 

“More potential cars, and delivery vans to service the apartments is a horrifying prospect.”  

And one objector quipped: “I can’t envisage anyone considering moving to hilly Saddleworth and thinking ‘let’s get rid of our car and buy a bicycle instead’. Unless they are Mark Cavendish!” 

The parking issues did not form a part of planning officers’ reasons for rejection, but were noted in a report.