Economy and Employment Local Plan Publication stage

This chapter looks at how we're supporting Oldham's economy so it's strong and resilient.

These policies range from the protection of our established employment areas to the reuse of historic mill buildings.

They outline our commitment to sustainable economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and revitalising key sectors within our community.

The policies listed below are designed to support the economy and employment of Oldham. A summary of them is given under each heading.

• Policy E1 – Employment Floorspace Requirements:
  • This policy sets out how Oldham will contribute to achieving the overall employment floorspace requirements set out in Places for Everyone.

• Policy E2 – Business and Employment Areas:
  • This policy establishes the framework for the designation of, and development within, the borough’s Business and Employment Areas. By focusing economic activities in these areas, we are providing land for existing firms to expand and for new firms to locate to, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Oldham.

• Policy E3 - Exceptions within Business and Employment Areas:
  • Recognising the need for flexibility in certain circumstances, this policy allows for exceptions within Business and Employment Areas by providing a balanced approach to development.

• Policy E4 – Employment sites outside of Business and Employment Areas:
  • The policy seeks to protect existing employment sites outside of our established Business and Employment Areas, whilst recognising the need the need for flexibility in certain circumstances.

• Policy E5 – Reuse and redevelopment of Mill Buildings:
  • Oldham's historic mill buildings are valuable assets that could hold potential for adaptive reuse and redevelopment. This policy encourages the repurposing of these structures, striking a balance between preserving their historical significance and contributing to economic growth.

To read the policies in full, please download the Oldham Local Plan: Publication Plan which is available to view here on the Council’s website.