Decision details

As referred to in the Purpose section.

Option One - Directly dispose of the freehold interests in the Land at Foundry Street to Jigsaw Homes Tameside at market valuation. Proceeding with this option would bring forward housing development that meets housing demand for a specified cohort of young people. The development of a high-quality housing scheme on the subject land would also support the Council’s aspirations to deliver 2,000 homes in the Town Centre. Moreover, directly disposing of the land to a strategic partner and co-bidder increases the deliverability and viability of the proposed scheme.
Option Two – Do not approve a direct disposal of the freehold interest in the area of land located at Foundry Street. Proceeding with this option would effectively derail any prospect of the proposed development going ahead. In support of JHT’s development and strategy and HE’s funding guidance, it is vital for JHT to secure the freehold to stimulate development and delivery of a scheme on time and on budget. SHAP also had a deadline of March 2025, and it is unlikely JHT and Oldham Council will be able to secure another site within these timelines, leading to the funding having to be returned to Homes England/DLUHC.
Option Three – Make the site available on the open market via a procurement exercise or potential sale. This would again mean that SHAP would not be delivered on the site, as JHT is the Council’s partner in this programme. Furthermore, this option diminishes any element of control the Council has to potentially influence what is built on the site.