Oldham residents are being invited to share their views on a proposal to construct 1,500 homes on the greenbelt.
The Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley project, located near Shaw, would involve building properties on three green spaces adjacent to Oldham Road and Ripponden Road over a 15-year period.
The scheme, proposed by developers Barratt Redrow, Kellen Homes, Wain Homes and The Casey Group, also includes plans for a new town centre and a 21,000 sq m extension of the Higginshaw business park.
This proposal forms part of the Places for Everyone (PfE) initiative – a Greater Manchester housing scheme aiming to deliver 11,500 new homes to Oldham.
PfE has long been a contentious issue in the borough, inciting protests from greenbelt campaigners and sparking heated debates at Oldham's town hall.
Earlier this year, the government rejected a request for Oldham to withdraw from the scheme and abandon the Broadbent Moss/Beal Valley project after councillors narrowly voted to renege on the agreement.
Now, developers are seeking to progress with the scheme. The 1,500 homes would comprise a mix of one and two-bedroom flats; two to five-bedroom houses; and homes designed for older people.
The plans also include commitments for a new school or school funding; support for a new local tram stop at Cop Road; and a proportion of affordable housing.
A vision statement reads: "The Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss new urban fringe shall create new gateways into Oldham from Rochdale, the Pennines and the Peak District.
"These interconnected new neighbourhoods shall provide high quality homes and living environments for families, couples and individuals in which to live and interact. Each neighbourhood will have its own identity which will be focussed around a strong and vibrant public realm and a green space network.
"These new neighbourhoods shall create homes for both people and nature, living side by side in a shared environment."
The developers will now gather feedback from local residents through a public consultation process. Public meetings are scheduled on Friday, July 11 at St. Thomas' Moorside Community and Monday, July 14 at St. Anne's Rugby Club in Higginshaw, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions. People can also take part online.
