Maple Mill scheme sails through planning

MCI Developments’ £14m proposals to redevelop the former spinning mill site in Oldham into 98 affordable homes have been approved by the council.

Oldham Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans to transform the 4.6-acre brownfield site off Cardwell Street in Hathershaw. Consultancy Lichfields advised MCI on the planning process. The council had previously recommended the scheme for approval.

The derelict site has been largely cleared following arson attacks in 2009 and 2016, and even prior to this it had not been operational for a decade.

MCI plans to build a mix of flats, maisonettes and houses at the site – to be made available either through affordable rent or shared ownership and operated by housing association Great Places Housing Group.

All the homes have been designed to have spacious rear gardens, and parking. The plans also include tree-lined streets and planting to the front and entrance of the site.

“Our aim for the development is to breathe new life into the brownfield land left vacant for many years and transform the site into a desirable place to live,” said Alex Wood, regional managing director at MCI Developments.

“All the homes will be affordable, ensuring that the development is a major social benefit to the community in Hathershaw. We will ensure the homes will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Clearance work at the site is set to start soon and construction is expected to take two and half years, according to the developer.

Frances Lennon, planner at Lichfields, added: “This development represents a significant contribution to affordable housing and supports the council’s ambitious overall housing delivery strategy. It will also bring an unsightly, vacant brownfield site back into use.

“It’s in a really sustainable location, surrounded by mainly residential properties with good transport links nearby as well as being within easy walking distance to a range of facilities and services.”