The Speakers Panel (Planning) of Tameside Council met to discuss several planning applications, traffic regulation orders, and a tree preservation order. The panel approved making permanent an experimental traffic order for a school street, confirmed a woodland protection order, and granted permission for several developments, including a mixed-use scheme at the Waterloo Tavern and redevelopment of the former Hyde Library building. However, they also refused an application for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) and deferred a decision on a residential development due to viability concerns.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Traffic and Highways

Dane Road Area of Denton Traffic Regulation Order

The panel discussed proposed traffic regulation orders to implement 'no waiting at any time' restrictions in the Dane Road area of Denton. These restrictions were intended to address concerns raised by local residents and the MP for Denton about obstructive parking at junctions, which compromised visibility for motorists and pedestrians.

The Highways Officer stated that the council aimed to take a proactive approach to improving road safety and reducing the potential for collisions, in line with the Vision Zero strategy adopted by Tameside Council and throughout the Greater Manchester region.

However, residents objected to the proposals, arguing that the area was mainly residential with limited off-street parking. Mrs Ruth Gledhill addressed the Panel in objection to elements of the proposal.

Ultimately, the panel resolved not to implement the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.

Old Brow, Mossley Prohibition of Driving Order

The panel considered objections to the experimental Prohibition of Driving Order within the Old Brow and Vale Side area of Mossley, which would remain in force indefinitely. This order was part of a School Streets scheme for Livingstone Primary School, aimed at reducing traffic and improving safety around the school.

The School Streets scheme aimed to reduce the number of private car journeys to and from school, which should lead to: improve road safety; more walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting by children and parents; less cars around the school; and improved air quality.

During the consultation period, the council received one formal objection from a resident of Cecil Street, who reported increased parking issues since the scheme's implementation. Councillor J Homer addressed the Panel in support of the proposal, as did a local resident.

The Highways Officer acknowledged that some parking would be displaced but noted that all car parks within Tameside would allow free parking for up to 2 hours from 9 June 2025, giving parents the opportunity to park on the Mossley Market Ground Car Park and walk.

The panel resolved that the Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Old Brow Including Vale Side Area, Mossley) (Prohibition Of Driving) (Experimental) Order 2024 be made permanent.

Planning Applications

The Panel made decisions on a number of planning applications:

Wellington Street/Wood Street, Ashton-under-Lyne (23/00869/FUL)

This application concerned a new residential development comprising 12 apartments. The panel had previously resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement¹. However, the applicant submitted a viability assessment indicating a viability gap and requested the removal of the affordable housing contribution of £87,360 from the Section 106 agreement. The Green Space contribution of £8,400 would still be secured.

The appraisal recognises the challenging local housing market conditions with values within Ashton Centre being low.

The panel deferred the decision, pending further consideration of the viability assessment.

Verge at Tudor Industrial Estate, Ashton Street, Dukinfield (25/00463/FUL)

This application sought permission for the construction and operation of a micro energy storage project on a verge at Tudor Industrial Estate. The proposed energy storage system (ESS) would include battery cabinets and associated equipment, surrounded by fencing.

The system is owned by AMP Clean Energy, who develop, funds, builds, owns and operates renewable and low carbon energy facilities and flexible power assets across the UK.

The Council received 5 objections to the proposed development, from third party representatives.

The panel approved planning permission for the project.

345 Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne (25/00451/FUL)

This was a retrospective application for the change of use of a building from commercial premises with associated living accommodation to a five-bedroom HMO, including alterations to the front elevation.

Twenty-six representations were received in response to the application, including one letter of objection from a ward councillor.

The panel resolved to refuse planning permission, citing concerns about the cumulative impact of the proposal, inadequate internal and external facilities, and the lack of detail regarding waste management.

Land at 150 Holland Street, Denton (25/00298/FUL)

This application sought to vary conditions relating to a previously approved development (24/00555/FUL) for a B8 storage warehouse with ancillary Class E offices. The proposed variations included changes to the approved plans and extended opening hours.

The applicant applied for proposed opening times of 06.00am to 00.00 midnight 7 days per week. However, following concerns raised from officers and local residents, the proposed operating hours have been revised to 07:00 to 22:00 7 days a week.

The panel resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

147-155 Stamford Street Central, Ashton-under-Lyne (25/00523/FUL)

This application sought the removal of a planning condition relating to affordable housing from a previously approved development (23/00313/FUL) for the change of use of a mixed-use building to apartments and external alterations.

The panel resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Land to the Rear of 75-99 Stockport Road, Mossley (25/00528/FUL)

This application sought to vary condition 1 (Approved Plans) amendments to site layout, site levels and updated house types of planning permission 21/00320/REM.

In response to the neighbour notification letters, 6 letters of objection have been received.

The panel resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Appeal Decisions

The panel noted the appeal decisions on the following applications:

• 176 King Street, Dukinfield (APP/G4240/D/25/3364759): Appeal dismissed for the installation of a dropped kerb.
• 60 Mottram Moor, Hollingworth (APP/G4240/W/25/3360410): Appeal dismissed for a retirement cottage.
• Land north of Johnsonbrook Road, Dukinfield (APP/G4240/Z/25/3363084): Appeal dismissed for the installation of a digital display.
• 10 Newmarket Road, Ashton-under-Lyne (APP/G4240/W/25/3361265): Appeal allowed for conversion of a 6-bedroom HMO to a 7-bedroom HMO.
• 208 Market Street, Droylsden (APP/G4240/W/25/3365376): Appeal dismissed for the construction of a new 8-bedroom HMO.
• 31 Clarence Arcade, Stamford Street Central, Ashton-under-Lyne (APP/G4240/W/25/3365634): Appeal allowed for the conversion of vacant office space to HMOs with associated facilities.
• Unit next to 6 Dean Street, Mossley (APP/G4240/W/25/3363908): Appeal dismissed for the demolition of an existing commercial unit and construction of a replacement unit.
• Carr House, 25 Carr Lane, Stalybridge (APP/G4240/D/25/3362863): Appeal dismissed for the erection of a detached garage/workshop and associated driveway.
• 2 Sherwood Avenue, Droylsden (APP/G4240/D/25/3366189): Appeal allowed for a first-floor side extension and double and single-storey rear extension.
• 66 Gower Road, Hyde (APP/G4240/D/25/3368718): Appeal dismissed for reducing a portion of an existing raised patio area.
• 232 Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne (APP/G4240/W/25/3366323): Appeal allowed for the conversion of a 6-room 6-person HMO into a 7-room 7-person HMO.

Brookfields Woodland Protection Order

The panel considered an objection to the making of a new Tree Preservation Order² at land known as Brookfields.

Mr Mark Iveson addressed the Panel in objection to the proposal. Mr Dave Jones and Councillor J Homer, Ward Member, addressed the Panel in support of the proposal.

The Panel heard that the process for making the provisional Woodland Preservation Order had been undertaken in accordance with the prescribed regulations and was an appropriate mechanism to secure the protection of the trees within the defined area.

The panel resolved that the Brookfields Woodland Protection Order (2025) be confirmed without modification.