Plans for new wheelchair accessible council houses and bungalows

Plans for council-owned wheelchair accessible houses and bungalows are being drawn up for a derelict plot of brownfield land in Oldham, according to bosses.

At December’s meeting of the full council, resident Beth Sharp asked what town hall chiefs were doing to tackle eyesore sites in Derker during public question.

In response, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Councillor Barbara Brownridge, revealed that officers are exploring building new council-owned houses in the area.

In her question, which was presented at the virtual meeting, Ms Sharp said: “There are currently 11 vacant and derelict plots in Derker. These plots are overgrown with weeds, they are used for fly-tipping, and the knee rails are rotting and have been vandalised.

“The appearance of these sites sends the message that this is a forgotten area in the town and this is all Derker is worth.”

She asked if the cabinet member responsible would meet with her in the area and see ‘first hand the blight caused by the council’s neglect’.

Ms Sharp also asked if the weeds would be removed and a maintenance plan put in place for Derker.

Coun Brownridge replied: “It’s very unfortunate that we have these sites in Derker as a result of the Tory government pulling the plug on housing market renewal.

“Since that’s happened however, the council has worked with partners and delivered 226 new homes in Derker at Churchill Gardens and Acre Lane.”

She added that Afghan Park had also been ‘modernised’ and extended onto London Road.

“Officers are currently working on proposals to deliver wheelchair accessible houses and bungalows that would be owned by the council on one of the remaining sites,” Coun Brownridge said.

“A bid has also been submitted to the brownfield housing fund which if successful would provide grant funding to help deliver high quality energy efficient homes in the area.

“The outcome of this bid is expected early in the new year.

“The area has benefited from some improvement works during lockdown, as Acre Lane and London Road were both resurfaced.

“Reports of littering and dumping will be investigated and the sites will be cleared as part of the scheduled work undertaken in the area.”

Main image:

Brownfield land in Derker. Photo: Google Maps.