Work on first of 365 new homes at former school sites set to start this summer

Plans to build 365 homes in Oldham across two former school sites have been given the green light – and work is set to start on the first phase this summer. Developer Countryside has been granted planning permission for the housing scheme on the two plots of land in Fitton Hill covering 22 acres between them.

The first plot was the site of the former Fitton Hill Secondary Modern School and Marland Fold School - last used as offices - which have both been knocked down now and will accommodate 63 houses to be sold on the open market. The second site where the rest of the homes are to be built is a previously developed plot around Hill Farm Close last occupied by houses and the former Fitton Hill County Infant School – all of which have now been demolished.

This site will have 187 houses for sale on the open market, 97 private rented houses and 81 affordable houses to be managed by Great Places Housing. The two-storey properties will be a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes.

READ MORE: Plans for more than 350 homes on former school sites in Oldham revealed

Oldham council's planning committee unanimously approved the application at a meeting on Wednesday (April 6) despite receiving some local opposition.

Residents raised concerns about the new housing putting pressure on schools, health care and shops as well as exacerbating parking problems. There were also worries about the development resulting in more flooding.

Nick Gibbons, who spoke at the planning meeting, told the committee of his concerns that the new homes would block daylight coming into his property. He said: "I only advise that there's a possibility that we cherish that open land that's at the back of our home.

"We've never had a building there apart from