Letter to Editor

Letter to Editor
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The author of this letter has requested that they prefer it to be posted anonymously.

It is great to see a healthy debate taking place with regards to the planning application for Saddleworth’s much needed new school. Many of the discussions are constructive, unfortunately many are not. What I have noticed is that there seem to be very few people commenting who display knowledge of the submitted application.

The common themes from those against siting the school in Diggle seem to be as follows:

Impact on traffic
The transport assessment fully acknowledges an increase in traffic in this area. To be honest, this is common sense. The submitted plan adds some excellent proposed measures, that go above and beyond what is currently in place at Uppermill, to the point that the Accident & Safety aspects will be improved both when you consider the immediate vicinity of the new school, and when you compare to what the children of Saddleworth school currently have to navigate. The Uppermill site has no drop off area (it did, but it got closed to cars), no pedestrian crossing near the site, it is dark most of the time because of the trees and the footpath is poor on the side of the school. The Diggle site will provide not only parking for residents, but parking for parents and a drop off area for the 25% of Saddleworth school children who arrive by car. There will also be a widened footpath, and traffic lights, so those arriving by bus and on foot (the vast majority of students) will be able to access the site safely.

Flooding
Those who have been in the area for much longer than I, have commented on having NEVER seen the site flooded. The Uppermill site very quickly becomes a quagmire, and was flooded on the day of the Opening Ceremony for the Village Olympics, not so long ago. Yes there is a risk, again the submission provides a large amount of detail in this area. I recommend reading it. Flooding is an issue in Saddleworth full stop due to proximity to the river, climate and a high level of groundwater. If you don’t want a school with a flood risk, then build it in Oldham and bus all the kids out. I for one would like my two daughters to be schooled in Saddleworth if at all possible.

Listed building
As much of the listed building that can be incorporated into the design is being. For anyone who has not seen the site recently, I suggest a walk up the canal. It’s a beauty. The proposed inclusion into the design of listed features will make the school look pretty special, but also modern. A nice nod to what makes Saddleworth a great place to be and the heritage that got us all here.

Impact on the residents in immediate vicinity
Local residents will be impacted. They will have amazing sports facilities on their doorstep available for community use, safer parking, improved footpaths and no longer have a site targeted by the travelling community on their doorstep. The school has a fantastic reputation and the way in which the headteacher and young people of the school have continued to represent the school throughout all of this has been exemplary. I think we should all be really proud of Saddleworth School. The residents might just find that their house value increases.

There has been a great deal of media commentary from SDAG, and while I don’t support them, I respect their ability to organise themselves and represent their cause.

I would appreciate it if you would publish this letter.

Thank you

Proud Saddleworth resident, and working mother of 2 primary-age children

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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