We object to development on OPOL 12 and the link road, fully supporting the decision taken by the council in 2018 to reject an application to do so.
An independent planning inspector described the land as attractive and stated it was imperative that the land remain open. The applicant now argues that the classification of this land is inaccurate and it is not part of Wharmton Undulating Uplands, this matters not - OPOL is Other Protected Open Land and performs the important planning function of separating conurbations.
Regardless of the councils overall housing target, this area has seen substantial continued development since the 1960's resulting in Saddleworth West and Lees being described as the most heavily and densely developed area in Saddleworth. This area should not now be punished because of a failure to deliver sufficient housing across the borough, there are other alternatives to do so.
The major link road may have been an aspiration many years ago but we have not been presented with any clear evidence that this is the case today. We are in very different times now and the damage that cars have on the environment and our health is irrefutable. This potentially dangerous road will bring more cars, increased noise, pollution and damage to the landscape, visual amenity and character of the area.
The development would also bring further strain to our already overstretched facilities and services including healthcare and education.
