To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.
Minutes:
There were three public questions received.
1. Mr. John Crompton
“My first question refers to following an exploratory meeting that I and my Deputy had with a Senior Council Officer, relating to a discussion regarding the programme of events for the 100 year Anniversary Commemoration of World War 1in relation to the Failsworth Higher and Lower Memorial Parks and their commitment following the ending of the conflict. We were informed, quite incorrectly, as to the matter of our having been involved in meetings and discussions of this nature with the District Executive some time ago and there was nothing that allowed him to continue a dialogue with us. Following our pursuit to find any information of this with the District Executive we have been unable to find any reference to decisions that were made referring to this event and would wish to be informed of when and where we had been invited to attend any meeting of relevance to this? Also to learn of whether any event has been planned for the 4th of August to show Failsworth’s participation of this Anniversary?”
Since submitting this question Mr Cromtpon had downloaded details for the events for the anniversary of WW1
In the early stages of planning Failsworth Historical Society (FHS) was approached by members to suggest possible wording for a plaque for both Higher and Lower Memorial Park. With the level of detail provided by FHS, a meeting was arranged with members and officers to suggest a way forward. It was agreed at this meeting that the Greenspace Manager would devise some plans and suggested wording, which has now been agreed. It was also agreed that the work FHS had done around the memorials be incorporated into each plaque.
Councillor Bates questioned the involvement of the FHS and congratulated the ruling administration on the work that had been done. The work that the FHS had been involved in was clarified and the District Executive also acknowledged the involvement of Mr Crompton and the Historical Society in terms of the cenotaph and refurbishment of gardens
2. Mr John Crompton
“My second question is to seek information relating to the recent notice of inclusion of the Sale of Failsworth Lodge, (A.K.A. as the Lancaster Club). This is an historic building of Grade two Listing and remains in sound condition and open to some public use. It is also in part of the area of land that was recently seeking planning permission for residential purposes and also some recreational use. Has any condition been placed on its future use when sold in order that Failsworth could see this property remaining in keeping its place in History for the future benefit of the residents?”
The Chair thanked Mr Crompton for his questions. Oldham Council acquired the Lancaster Club site as part of a transaction that enabled Oldham Athletic to be retained within the Borough and stimulate development of a new North Stand at their existing Boundary Park stadium. Part of the strategy behind the move was that once the allotments and other playing fields were relocated, the council would sell the site for residential development in order to recoup its costs as well as provide land for quality new homes within the borough.
In order to establish residential use for the site, the council submitted an outline planning application in 2012 which established a mixed use, residential led development, comprising some 144 homes, a new soccer centre, relocated allotments, 500 sq. m. of commercial/retail space and the retention and refurbishment of the grade 2 listed building for social use on the ground floor and residential on the upper floors.
With works to construct the soccer centre and relocate the allotments and sports pitches due to commence, the council is now in a position to market the site to developers, this is being done in accordance with EU regulations because the council wishes to impose conditions on the sale that it would be illegal to enforce if it were to sell the land on the open market. Protection for listed buildings already exists within the planning process as there is a presumption against demolition and any plans for works must be considered by both the local authority and English Heritage before they can determined. However, by using the EU approved process the council will achieve greater control over the development plans which will have to be agreed and approved by the council before a planning application is submitted. The council believes that the listed building is an asset to the area that should be given a new lease of life through making full use of the whole building that will ensure the necessary investment in its fabric is undertaken now and its ongoing maintenance, thereby preserving this significant landmark for future generations.
Once a suitable developer is selected, as the detailed proposals are developed, an integral part of that process will be the engagement of and consultation with local people and other interest groups to ensure their views inform the final outcome.
3. Mrs Pat Lindop
“This is a question for First Choice Homes Oldham. Could you please tell me why the age restriction for flats on Greystoke Lane has been lifted without anyone being informed?”
The Chair thanked Mrs Lindop for her question and informed her that as this was a question for First Choice Homes Oldham, it would be forwarded on for them to respond directly.