A former industrial site in Oldham could be set for a green makeover, with plans to transform it into an 'eco village' comprising 32 new homes. The proposed development at Pretoria Lane in Hollinwood, submitted by Max Kohanzad of Eco Village Industries Ltd, would see a mix of houses and apartment blocks built around communal gardens and a community cafe.
Currently, the site is home to derelict warehouses which, according to the developers, would require significant expense and effort to refurbish and would therefore need to be demolished. In their place, two semi-detached homes off Collier Hill Avenue would mark the entrance to the 'village'.
The majority of the housing complex would consist of three low-rise buildings arranged around a large shared green space featuring a pond and a community area or cafe. Each building would also boast private gardens, some of which would face towards the communal spaces.
A four-storey building on Pretoria Road would house seven flats, four maisonettes and a HMO. A staggered building going from two to three floors on Collier Hill would accommodate three maisonettes and three flats, while the 'Wild Garden Building' would contain 12 flats across four floors.
All homes would have access to either a garden or a balcony. The plans also detail that the lower, visible roofs would serve as 'lush' green spaces, while those out of sight would conceal solar panels and heat pumps providing energy for the new homes, reports .
Residents in the small community would have access to 18 car parking spaces with EV charging points, which are located on the outskirts of the complex. The developers aim to use a 'communal design' to create 'neighbourly spaces' and pedestrian streets where 'children can play'.
During a public consultation, neighbours expressed concerns about traffic along Pretoria Road, including 'bottle-necking during school drop-offs'. Locals also voiced their disappointment over the closure of the local community hall, according to Eco Village Industries, leading to the inclusion of a new community space in the plans.
The proposals, which have not received any comments so far, are set to be decided by December 27.
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