Rescheduled Public Inquiry on Compulsory Purchase Orders in Oldham
21st July 2006
At the beginning of July, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) informed Oldham Council that the public inquiry to seek compulsory purchase powers to buy properties and land in Derker and Werneth/Freehold would be postponed.
DCLG, which is the former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, has now confirmed the new date for the inquiry will be 6th February 2007. (The inquiry had previously been scheduled to start on 1st August 2006.)
DCLG decided to postpone the public inquiry after the Council informed them that the findings of a heritage study would not be available until September 2006. The study will identify the extent and nature of features of heritage in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder area and builds on earlier heritage work that was done when the masterplans for Derker and Werneth/Freehold were developed.
The Council wrote to all objectors to the first phase of compulsory purchase orders in Derker and Werneth/Freehold to inform them of the postponement at the beginning of July. The Council has also informed all objectors of the new date.
Phil Jobling, Assistant Director for Regeneration at Oldham Council, said, “We understand that this delay may be inconvenient to some residents, however, it is important that all parties have time to consider the findings of the heritage report. This will allow the planning inspector to make a fully informed recommendation about the CPO to the Secretary of State. We will continue to offer all the help, advice and support we possibly can to residents affected by this decision.”
The HMR Pathfinder aims to improve neighbourhoods that have suffered from lower property prices and a lack of investment by offering a better mix of modern homes. Research shows that modern housing would help to stabilise the decline of neighbourhoods. More than 454 residents have voluntarily sold their properties to the Council and plans for new homes are progressing with more than 70 homes expected to be completed at the site of the former Granville Mill by the end of the year and a further 18 larger homes available in Coppice this summer.