Oldham secures funding to build new homes on brownfield sites

A successful funding bid will allow Oldham Council to transform two challenging brownfield sites into over 400 new homes.

The Council has secured £6.5m from the government Brownfield Housing Fund, which will enable a mix of 415 new homes to be built on long-vacant sites in Derker and Mumps.

A site at London Road in Derker will undergo a £2m regeneration, building around 150 new homes on council-owned land that was cleared ten years ago.

£4.5m of funding will also regenerate a site near Southlink Business Park, delivering up to 265 homes.

Both schemes are expected to include a mix of affordable housing which will be let to people on the housing Register, and the Council aims to make the homes low carbon and energy efficient.

Cllr Hannah Roberts, cabinet member for housing, said: ‘Oldham Council’s approach has always been brownfield first. These schemes will bring much-needed new, affordable, modern homes to Oldham.

‘They will regenerate land that has stood empty for far too long and they will support our commitment to protect the borough’s precious green belt and open spaces from development, as outlined in the latest draft of Places for Everyone.

‘We will apply for planning permission as soon as possible to get going on building the homes people need.’

The scheme supports Places for Everyone, which outlines the long-term plan for nine Greater Manchester districts for jobs, new homes, and sustainable growth, with a focus on maximising the use of brownfield land.

The Council’s cabinet have agreed to process funding agreements for the two projects, with plans to start construction by the end of next year.

In related news, four major schemes have been approved in Ancoats and New Islington, beginning a new phase of regeneration for the area with more housing and sustainable transport.

Photo by Brett Jordan