Dear Mr
RE; SaddleworthSchool Rebuilding Proposals
I wish to object to the proposals to rebuild the Saddleworth School on any site other then the existing one for the following reasons:-
Location
We believe that the existing Uppermill site has not been fully considered by the relevant Authorities.The proposed site will mean the destruction of a village community and green belt environment with subsequent damage to Uppermill’s economy including Tourism to the area.Uppermill already has the infrastructure to cope with a 1500 pupil school/large comprehensive school.
Access
The present route into/out of Diggle is highly congested at present and is effectively a one-way system at the entrance.The proposed plans do not in any way address this issue and it will mean huge increases in the traffic flow.Also the main access to the School will be via the existing Loom Works access. This roadway is currently used by HGV’s to the commercial premises and this will continue so is a safety issue.
Flood Risk
According to Oldham Council’s own Hybrid SFRA report, undertaken in January 2010 recommended that this site was not a preferred option for a school. This was due to the risk of flooding from Diggle Brook and the residual flooding from the HuddersfieldNarrowCanal. Concreting over the field would mean changing a large piece of permeable ground into impermeable ground, so the rain water that currently drains through the soil, will increase the risk of flooding downstream in Uppermill.
Green Belt Usage
Under the proposed Plans the Sports Block will be built on Green Belt land.
This does not meet with the Parish Plans which were devised after consultation with local residents.
The Building Structure
The 2 & 3 storey modern structure that is being proposed is highly inappropriate for a rural environment especially located next to a historically significant listed building
Impact on Local Residents
Residents living in the immediate area will have no respite from traffic, noise and extreme light pollution from the inevitable security lights covering the car park, school building and flood-lit playing fields.This will be particularly intrusive during night time and the winter months. There is also an undeniable daily impact from 1500 pupils.
In the light of the above objections we ask that you reconsider these ill judged plans and find a way to rebuild the school on the existing site.
Yours sincerely