Oldham Council seeking developer for 120 new homes in Limehurst

Oldham Council is to dispose of surplus land in Limehurst Village to provide a range of new high-quality homes and employment opportunities for local residents.

The local authority is going out to market to seek a developer who will build a range of new homes for sale and private rent at six vacant sites.

Limehurst will benefit to the tune of around 120 new homes in total across 3.17 hectares.

These will be located at a 1.56 hectare site at Rowan Tree Road – plus five land plots at White Bank Road totalling a further 1.61 hectares in size.

All are former clearance sites which are still being maintained by Oldham Council but have been highlighted as areas of concern regarding flytipping and anti-social behaviour.

The market value of the sites being disposed of will be established by a competitive process informed by a development brief setting out Oldham Council’s requirements and aspirations for the area.

Factors under consideration will include quality, track record, community engagement and the financial offer.

The successful developer must show how they will maximise the social and economic impact of the scheme – through using the local supply chain and employment initiatives – to the local area.

The scheme is being brought forward as the next step in the pioneering Neighbourhood Co-operative Agreement for the village struck between Oldham Council and housing group Regenda.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Neighbourhoods, said: “This is the next important step in our plans to transform the environment, housing and employment opportunities in Limehurst.”

“This surplus land is currently unused and has been identified by residents themselves as in need of development.

“We’re seeking to attract an experienced developer that shares the joint ambitions of ourselves, Regenda, local people and stakeholders to deliver a range of much-needed homes for sale or private rental.

“As part of the Get Oldham Working initiative, the successful developer will also need to show us how they will maximise training and development and work-related opportunities for local people, some of whom find it hard to access the labour market.

“This development complements our wider residential strategy across the borough to encourage better quality, higher value housing, but it will also enhance the neighbourhood environment and contribute to a brighter future for everyone who lives there.”

Oldham Council signed a pioneering Neighbourhood Co-operative Agreement with Regenda in September 2013

The housing group has already embarked on an ambitious investment programme delivering a ten-year vision based on shared aspirations to transform Limehurst including measures to improve local quality of life and opportunities, plus health and wellbeing issues.

It has also developed an extensive consultation and tenant participation programme designed to enable local residents and Ward Members to engage and shape the area’s long-term future.