Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alexander, Harkness and Hudson.

There was one public question received. 

From Mrs. Samantha Marshall

“Saddleworth School

As concerned Diggle residents, my husband and I met recently with Mr Mike Green, the Director of Capital of the EFA , for an open and frank discussion on the results of their feasibility study into the four site options for the new Saddleworth School.

Mr Green confirmed to us that they would now build the new fit for purpose school on ANY of the four site options available, as they were ALL feasible and within the EFA's budget, including Uppermill. 

Although their study recommended the back site in Diggle, as this was the cheapest option for the EFA's budget, Mr Green confirmed that it is not for the EFA to choose the site of the new school.  It was up to Oldham Council to choose the final location of the new Saddleworth School.

Contrary to Oldham Council's recent press release it was NOT the EFA which chose the site. Oldham Council chose the back site in Diggle as the location of the new Saddleworth School.

Mr Green confirmed that they DO NOT impose a site option onto Oldham Council and that they would now build the new school on the existing Uppermill site, if so requested by Oldham Council.

Both a 3000+ signature petition (given to Cllr Jim McMahon by Cllr Mike Buckley) and the election of an independent ward councillor in Saddleworth North, by a significant majority, show that the Saddleworth residents wish the school to remain in Uppermill.  But the votes and signatures of the electorate have been ignored.

Can I ask would the District Executive support the Saddleworth residents in asking Cllrs Jim McMahon and Amanda Chadderton for the new school to be built on the existing site in Uppermill.”

Members discussed the question but felt that they were unable to respond as they had not seen the feasibility study and other relevant information.  A holding response would be provided to explain that full written response would be provided when members of the District Executive had sight of all the relevant information.

RESOLVED that the question and response be noted.

The Minutes of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive held on 27^th November 2014 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive held on 27^th November 2014 be approved as a correct record.

The District Executive gave consideration to a report which advised of the available budget for 2014/15 and potential budget commitments for consideration. 

RESOLVED that:

1.         the funding allocations made by the District Executive to date be noted.

2.         the budget available for 2014/15 be noted.

3.         the allocation of £8,000 to Oldham and District Riding Club on behalf of the Friezland User Group for the Replacement of the toilet block at Friezland Arena be approved.

4.         the allocation of £6,000 for the repainting of the street furniture in Lees be approved.

The District Executive gave consideration to a report regarding the application for a designation as a Neighbourhood Planning Area.  Neighourhood planning would provide communities with the power to shape development and growth in their area.  A neighbourhood plan would support strategic development set out in the Council’s Local Plan and would also support local development in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

The report outlined who could submit an application, the Key Stages in neighbhourhood planning, the Saddleworth Parish Council interest in Neighbourhood Planning, the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and what it would mean for the Neighbourhood Plan and the next steps which included the Council would continue to work with the Parish Council and provide guidance where required, the Parish Council would need to work on the next stage of the process to develop proposals and the Council would meet with the Parish Council to discuss future planning policy. 

The Neighbourhood Plan could not be more rigorous than borough plans but could help in looking at more detail on the design of buildings and materials used.  The Parish Council representative added that the issues being reviewed included housing types and mix, knock on effects for infrastructure and local list of historic buildings.  Authority had been received to proceed to the first phase, planning consultants had been engaged and application had been made for government funding.   The Peak Park was a stakeholder and would be involved in the process.

It was clarified that applications in Saddleworth would still be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee.

Members questioned the conservation area which did not cover vulnerable parts of Uppermill.  It was clarified that this could be discussed as part of a scoping exercise but any buildings which were affected but would require direct consultation. 

It was also clarified that a service level agreement was being developed between Oldham Council, Saddleworth Parish Council and the Peak Park National Authority.

RESOLVED that the Saddleworth Parish Council Application for Designation as a Neighbourhood Planning Area report be noted.

This is a standing item regarding Petitions received relating to the Saddleworth and Lees District areas for consideration by the District Executive in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.  One petition has been received for noting.

The Committee were asked to note the receipt of a petition entitled “Don’t Move Saddleworth School”.  It was noted that the number of signatures received was reduced due to duplicate signatures on the petition.

RESOLVED that the petition be noted.

The date and time of the next Saddleworth and Lees District Executive will be Thursday, 26^th March 2015 at 7.30 p.m.

RESOLVED that the date and time of the next meeting to be held on Thursday, 26^th March 2015 at 7.30 p.m. be noted.