Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Murphy.

There were two items of urgent business received that was heard at items 10 and 11.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2024 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2024 be approved as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended the introduction of prohibition of waiting restrictions along parts of Buckstones Road, Woodhouse Road and Dingle Avenue, Oldham which had been approved under delegated powers on 9^th July 2024. The proposals were subsequently advertised, and two letters of objection had been received.

The basis of the objections was that there no off street parking provision and the proposed restrictions would result in residents and visitors to their property having no convenient place to park.

Options considered:

Option 1 – Introduce the proposed restrictions as advertised.

Option 2 – Do not introduce the proposed restrictions.

RESOLVED that the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to introduce the proposed restrictions as advertised.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment that sought approval to amend the Borough of Oldham Definitive Map and Statement for Footpath 45 Oldham following the confirmation of the diversion of the footpath by a Public Path Diversion Order.

Definitive Footpath 45 Oldham was diverted under s257 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, in accordance with planning permission granted for the development of land at Rosary Road, Oldham (PA/331978/12) by a Public Path Diversion Order in 2013. The Order was to come into effect when the diverted route was provided to the Council’s reasonable satisfaction. Subsequently, this Order was Confirmed as an Unopposed Order on 16 January 2025, and subsequently brought into effect. As a result of this, Oldham Council has to make the necessary amendments to the Definitive Map and Statement in respect of the footpath.

Options considered:

Option 1: To approve the recommendation

Option 2: Not to approve the recommendation

RESOLVED: That the Council make a Definitive Map Modification Order in respect of the diversion of Footpath 45 Oldham under section 53(2)(b) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as detailed in the report and the Director of Environment and the Director of Legal Services be authorised to carry out the necessary procedures.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment that sought approval to amend the Borough of Oldham Definitive Map and Statement for Footpath 180 Oldham following the confirmation of the diversion of the footpath by a Public Path Diversion Order.

Definitive Footpath 180, Oldham, was diverted under s257 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, in accordance with planning permission granted for the development of land at London Road, Derker (PA/332832/12) by a Public Path Diversion Order in 2013. The Order was to come into effect when the diverted route was provided to the Council’s reasonable satisfaction. Subsequently, this Order was confirmed as an unopposed Order and brought into effect on 1 March 2023. As a result of this, it is required for Oldham Council to make the necessary amendments to the Definitive Map and Statement.

Options considered:

Option 1: To approve the recommendation

Option 2: Not to approve the recommendation

RESOLVED: That the Council make a Definitive Map Modification Order in respect of the diversion of Footpath 180 Oldham under section 53(2)(b) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as detailed in the report and the Director of Environment and the Director of Legal Services be authorised to carry out the necessary procedures.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment that sought approval to submit amendments to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of the Footpath 26 Oldham Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order 2022 to provide accurate context to the proposed wording in the Order.

The Council made an Order diverting Footpath 26 Oldham over a proposed link road leading to the Knowls Lane housing development via a stepped route on 4 May 2022. A copy of the order is attached at Appendix 1. The order was subsequently advertised in the local press and received numerous objections.

The objections could not be resolved so the matter was referred to the Planning Inspectorate and a Public Inquiry was held 13th-14th June 2023. The Inspector’s decision (ref: ROW/3303492) not to confirm the Made Order was issued 31st July 2023. Russell Homes successfully challenged the Inspector’s decision by judicial review and a Consent Order (ref: AC-2023-LON-002664) was confirmed by the High Court quashing the Inspector’s decision on 27 October 2023.

Options considered:
Option 1: To agree to submit the proposed amendments to the Made Order to the Planning Inspectorate.

Option 2: Not to agree to submit the proposed amendments to the Made Order to the Planning Inspectorate.

RESOLVED: That the proposed amendments to the Made Order not be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended the introduction of prohibition of waiting restrictions on Knotts Lanes, Oldham which had been approved under delegated powers on 20^th May 2024. The proposals were subsequently advertised, and fifteen objections and two supporting letters had been received.

The basis of all but one of the objections related to the section of proposed restrictions fronting properties 56 to 78 Knott Lanes, stating the proposed restrictions in this location would result in some resident and visitors having no convenient place to park, which would then displace parking into other areas, thus creating further problems. Objectors also raised concerns over some of the proposed restrictions around the Crime Lane Junction.

Options considered:

Option 1 – Introduce the proposed restrictions as advertised.

Option 2 –.Relax the proposal in accordance with the plan and schedule in Appendix C of the report.

Option 3 - Do not introduce the proposed restrictions

RESOLVED that the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to introduce the amended restrictions in accordance with the plan and schedule in Appendix C of the report.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended the introduction of prohibition of waiting restrictions on Platt Lane and Lark Hill Road, Dobcross which had been approved under delegated powers on 19th May 2024. The proposals were subsequently advertised, and two objections had been received.

Options considered:

Option 1 – Introduce the proposed restrictions as advertised.

Option 2 –.Relax the proposals

Option 3 - Do not introduce the proposed restrictions

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to allow the Director of Environment to submit to the Committee amended proposals which reduced the extent of the waiting restrictions.

NOTE: An objector attended the meeting and spoke on this item.