Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Chowhan (Councillor Wahid attended as substitute)

Agenda items 7, 12 and 13 were considered under Urgent Business and moved up the agenda due to the number of registered speakers.

Councillor Davis reported in relation to Agenda Item 11 that a member of the public had approached him as Ward Councillor where he had liaised with the Council’s Highways Regulation Team on the matter but that he had not pre-determined the matter, so he was able to participate on that item.

To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no public questions for the Scrutiny Board to consider.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th September 2025 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

A copy of the procedure for the Petitioner’s Panel is enclosed (item 7 only).

RESOLVED that the Petitioners Panel Procedure Note be noted.

To consider the petition requesting the introduction of a residents parking scheme on Lower Frenches Drive, Greenfield.

A petition from residents of Lower Frenches Drive, Greenfield for the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme was submitted to the Committee. Lower Frenches Drive due to its close proximity to the only railway station in Oldham Borough at Greenfield experienced parking problems over a significant period of time within any 24-hour period and over 50% of residents of Lower Frenches Drive were in favour of a residents’ parking scheme. The petition was considered by the District Lead and the Ward Councillors together with the Director of Environment in September 2025. The matter was now referred to the Highway Regulation Committee in its role as the Petitioner Panel, following a request from the petitioner, after the initial consideration in September.

The Group Solicitor clarified the role of the Highway Regulation Committee as the Petitioner Panel in considering the proposed residents’ parking scheme which would be a traffic regulation order and as such, if there were objections to the proposals they would be considered by the Highway Regulation Committee. Therefore, the Committee could make recommendations to the relevant Director to consider the matter or to decide that no further action is required.

The Committee considered a draft report prepared by the Director of Environment in response to the petition. The Director of Environment had proposed a solution by way of the introduction of limited waiting parking restrictions, the detail of which was set out in the draft report.

Options considered:

Option 1: To support the proposed prohibition of waiting restrictions detailed in the report.

Option 2: Not to support the proposed prohibition of waiting restrictions detailed in the report.

Resolved: That the Director of Environment be requested to consider the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme at Lower Frenches Drive.

NOTE:

1. The Lead Petitioner attended the meeting to address the Committee.

2. A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on the petition and another Ward Councillor’s written comments in relation to the proposals was read out at the meeting by the Chair.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment that subsequent to the confirmation of the public path diversion order for the diversion of Footpath 52, Failsworth it is necessary for Oldham Council as Highway Authority to amend the definitive map and statement for the aforementioned footpath to reflect the diversion.

Definitive Footpath 52, Failsworth was diverted under section 257 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in accordance with planning permission granted for the development of land at Lumm Farm, Lumb Lane, Littlemoss, Droylsden 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 on 16th January 2025. The reason for the lengthy delay in confirming the Order was because the diverted route crossed the boundary into Tameside and it was necessary to wait until Tameside also made a diversion order for the continuation of the diverted footpath route. 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 Modification Order in respect of the diversion of Footpath 52 Failsworth 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 for the making of a Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order for part of Footpath 247, Saddleworth as detailed in the report.

An application had been made by the resident of 2 Grove Road, Uppermill for the diversion of part of Footpath 247 Saddleworth which currently passes through the garden and over the driveway of the property.

Options considered:

Option 1: To approve the recommendation.

Option 2: Not to approve the application.

The preferred Option was Option 1, as it is expedient to divert the path in the interests of the landowner and the diversion is not substantially less convenient to the public in consequence of the diversion.

RESOLVED: That a Public Path Diversion and Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order for part of Footpath 247, Saddleworth as detailed in the report be made and the Director of Environment and the Director of Legal Services be authorised to carry out the necessary procedures to make the Order and to confirm the Order in the event that no objections are made to it.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment to amend restrictions to Southgate St car park to accommodate permit holders only between 8am and 5pm

A report recommending a change to the terms of conditions of Southgate Street car park was approved on 15 August 2025 to amend the northern section of the car park to permit holder A only between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. For the remainder of the operational hours the car park would remain as pay and display for public use. A copy of the approved report was attached in Appendix A

One objection was received to the initial proposal citing lack of consultation, negative impact on library staff who work evenings, as well as unfair prioritization of staff. A copy of the objection was attached at Appendix B and the Council’s response to the objection was attached at Appendix C.

The objector was asked to confirm by 22nd October if they wished to continue with the objections to the proposals. No response was received.

The amendment is less restrictive than the initial proposal advertised and as such the hours can be amended by the Highway Regulation Committee by a formal decision, without the need for further public consultation.

Options considered:

Option 1: Continue with the current permit holders only times of 8am – 6pm.

Option 2: Amend the permit holders only times to 8am – 5pm

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to approve Option 2 and it be implemented on site.

A report to consider objections received to the proposed introduction of new Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on the above-named streets, in Failsworth.

The Committee considered a report where objections were received to the proposed introduction of new Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on Propps Hall Drive/Poplar Street/Stott Street, Failsworth..

A copy of the approved report was attached in Appendix A and a copy of the representations was attached in Appendix B.

Options considered:

Option 1: Install Prohibition of Waiting restriction as advertised.

Option 2: Do nothing.

In response to questions from the Committee it was reported that the Officers had no objection to the proposed restrictions being reduced in length from 15 metres to 10 metres.

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Chief Executive be recommended to approve the introduction of prohibition of waiting restrictions as detailed in the approved report but that the length of the restrictions be reduced to 10 metres.

A report to consider objections to the proposed extension of the existing Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on Elmstone Drive, Royton.

The Committee received a report to consider a number of objections received to the proposed extension of the existing Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on Elmstone Drive, Royton.

A report recommending the introduction of new Prohibition of Waiting (PoW) restriction on Elmstone Drive, Royton, was approved under delegated powers on 9 July 2024. The proposal was subsequently advertised - eleven objections and two letters of support were received.

Officers acknowledged the concerns regarding parking displacement. In direct response to the feedback, the Council developed a relaxed alternative proposal (Option 2), which reduced the proposed double yellow lines to a 10-metre section on the eastern side of the Elmstone Drive junction. This adjustment maintains necessary junction protection while allowing some opportunity for residents to park closer to their properties.

Options considered:

Option 1: Install Prohibition of Waiting restrictions as advertised.

Option 2: Install a reduced Prohibition of Waiting restriction as detailed in the report.

Option 3: Do nothing.

RESOLVED: That no further waiting restrictions be introduced (Option 3)

NOTE:

1. An Objector attended the meeting to address the Committee.

2. A comment from an Objector was read out at the meeting by the Chair.

To consider objections to the proposed introduction of Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on Rochdale Road, High Crompton, in the vicinity of Park Cottages.

The Committee considered a report where a number of objections were received to the proposed introduction of Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on Rochdale Road, High Crompton, in the vicinity of Park Cottages.

A report recommending the introduction of new Prohibition of Waiting (PoW) restriction on Rochdale Road, High Crompton, was approved under delegated powers on 20 June 2024. The proposal was subsequently advertised; 6 objections were received. A copy of the approved report was attached at Appendix A, and a copy of the representations was attached in Appendix B. A revised schedule and plan to support Option 2 (relaxed proposal) was provided within Appendix C

Representations highlighted that the parking spaces are frequently used by visitors to the local park, the bowling green, and nearby businesses.

Officers acknowledge the concerns regarding parking displacement and the impact on local amenities. In direct response to this feedback, the Council developed a relaxed alternative proposal (Option 2). This option replaces the originally proposed Double Yellow Lines with a Limited Waiting restriction (Mon-Sat 8am–6pm, 3 Hours, No Return Within 1 Hour).

Options considered:

Option 1: Install Prohibition of Waiting restriction as advertised (Original Proposal).

Option 2: Install a relaxed Limited Waiting restriction (Relaxed Alternative).

Option 3: Do nothing and withdraw the proposals.

RESOLVED: That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to approve the introduction of relaxed Limited Waiting restrictions detailed in the report as Option 2.

NOTE:

1. An Objector attended the meeting and addressed the panel.

2. A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and addressed the Committee.