A SMALL piece of green belt land has been described as a “sought after holiday location” in a bid to turn a redundant workshop into a two-bedroom holiday let.
But Shaw and Crompton Parish councillors have recommended refusal of the application submitted to Oldham Council for change of use of the site on Buckstones Road in Shaw.
“It’s stated this is a well sought after holiday location,” confirmed Cllr Chris Stephens.
“I refute that entirely and say that Buckstones Road is not the most prestigious holiday environment in the world.
“I have no prejudicial or beneficial interest in it perse. My stance on green belt development – as per normal – is that it’s inappropriate development for green belt land.”
Cllr John Hall said: “I have been in the building and there was some contention from OMBC right from the beginning that it was built far larger than needed.
“Looking at it, it’s not suitable to be changed to a holiday let and it was never intended for that at the beginning.”
Planning chair Cllr John Aspinall added: “When it was originally constructed was the aim to make it into something more than was planned at the time? I don’t know.”
A report prepared on behalf of Mr A Brooks by Civitas Planning Limited of Saltney, Chester states: “The applicant/owner no longer has any use for the building and it has become redundant due to the applicant no longer being actively engaged in such a physical pastime.
“Rather than seeing the building empty, the applicant is seeking planning permission for this self-catering holiday let, which is a sustainable and suitable use for the building and its location.
“To conclude, the proposed change of use makes use of a now redundant building in this location, whilst also providing a tourism opportunity in this sought after holiday location.”
Councillors voted to oppose the plans because of its green belt location.