The planning application for the proposed new school to be built in Diggle is now available for public comment. Comments must be made by 4th SEPTEMBER 2015. This is a statutory consultation and any comments made now HAVE to be taken into account when the planning decision is made. This is the final and CRUCIAL part of the planning process. The planning application is required to consider many issues in addition to the actual school design and layout and there is evidence that many important areas have been inadequately assessed. e.g • no assessment of the impact of the development, its architecture, materials and the loss of green pasture land on the character of Diggle village. • impact of traffic increase (27.8%) in and around Diggle and the implications for pupil and pedestrian safety. No assessment has been made for the increase in traffic through Dobcross • part of the site is in a functional floodplain. No mitigation is proposed to protect school buildings, sport facilities and the users of sports facilities from river flooding which they know will happen as the site is an active floodplain. There is also the risk of a canal breach, of which there have been two this year • unacceptable financial impact on Uppermill.The consultants involved have assessed that the overall loss of revenue to the shops will be a minimum £125,000 pa. • negative impact of the development on the rural aspect of the landscape character of the surrounding area, including the views from numerous public footpaths, bridleways and the Peak District National Park and on the setting of the Grade II listed Clock Tower and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal • negative impact by the use of modern building materials on the setting of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and its Grade II listed locks or on the canal towpath which is a major leisure route. The modern school buildings, the fenced sports pitches, floodlights and noise will detract from the peaceful enjoyment of this important leisure facility • there is no assessment of the historical, architectural and cultural importance of the existing buildings on the site and their relationship to the listed Clock Tower. • ecological issues including significant unmitigated harm to bats which forage and roost in the area and are protected under European Law. Floodlighting will have a negative impact as bats are repelled by artificial light and the site has not been adequately surveyed for roosts and hibernating bats. No adequate mitigation measures are proposed. Also, records of breeding lapwing exist for the site. No mitigation measures are proposed to compensate for the loss of this site for an important declining species. • no mention in the Community Statement about the views of Saddleworth residents and over 3000 of you who signed a petition against the move. Oldham Council, who claim to be “a listening council” chose to ignore this as it was not legally binding nor what they wanted to hear. HOW TO OBJECT: If you wish to object to the application this must be done by letter or via email to:- Planning Team, Civic Centre, PO Box 30, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UQ or planning@oldham.gov.uk For the objection to be considered valid your letter must:- • Include your name and address • Be correctly addressed to the Oldham Council planning department (who are dealing with the application) • Refer to the Planning Application number and description Planning application PA/337301/15: Construction of a new Saddleworth School (for ages 11 to 16) with associated sports fields and pitches, external recreation and teaching space together with parking landscaping and associated works. Former W H Shaw Pallet Works, Huddersfield Road, Diggle, OL3 5NX. • Include a statement that you are objecting to the application. • Give the grounds you have for objecting. These must be based on MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS rather than opinions, which will not count.. Some examples relating to the proposed development are included in this update, but this is not an exhaustive list and more information can be found at: www.savediggle.org.uk. Please note The Council can only take into account those comments that are directly relevant to the planning process such as: Loss of amenity Privacy Outlook Traffic issues Noise Nuisance Matters that cannot be taken into account include: Reduction in property values Loss of views Private rights of way Ownership matters Disturbance during construction If you believe that the best place for the new Saddleworth School is in Uppermill, then PLEASE do write/email to Oldham Council with your views. Remember each member of a household is eligible to make an objection. Thank you for your FANTASTIC and continued support.