Oldham's Historic Environment

Proposed Approach

Oldham's rich and diverse heritage plays an important role in its identity.

Significant historic buildings, industrial urban areas, and landscapes in the South Pennines, make up and provide many designated and non-designated heritage assets.

New development must compliment and respect our borough's significant history. The Local Plan seeks to proactively manage change and move forward, while preserving our irreplaceable heritage.

The policies listed below are designed to support Oldham's historic environment. A brief summary of them is given under each heading.

• Policy HE1 – The Historic Environment:
  • This policy underpins the significance of Oldham's historic environment and outlines the commitment to its preservation. By recognising the intrinsic value of historical assets we aim to integrate them into the fabric of our evolving communities while ensuring that new developments respect and celebrate the unique history and cultural identity of Oldham.
• Policy HE2: Securing the Preservation and Enhancement of Oldham's Heritage Assets:
  • Building upon the broader commitment outlined in Policy HE1, this policy provides specific measures to secure the preservation and enhancement of Oldham's heritage assets. By establishing guidelines for the maintenance, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic structures, we strive to protect these assets as living elements of our community, contributing to the sense of continuity and identity.
• Policy HE3: Development Proposals Affecting Conservation Areas:
  • Recognising the importance of conservation areas in preserving the special character of historic places, this policy provides guidance for development proposals within these designated areas. By ensuring that any alterations or new developments respect the unique features of conservation areas, we aim to safeguard the architectural and historic significance of these cherished locales.
• Policy HE4: Oldham's Mills:
  • Oldham's industrial heritage, embodied in its mills, holds a distinctive place in our history. This policy acknowledges the significance of these structures and outlines measures to ensure their preservation and sensitive redevelopment. By promoting adaptive reuse and regeneration, we aim to integrate these historic mills into the contemporary fabric of Oldham while preserving their cultural and architectural value.
• Policy HE5: Canals:
  • Oldham's canals are integral components of our historic environment, reflecting the industrial legacy of the region. This policy recognises the importance of these waterways and seeks to protect them from adverse impacts. By encouraging sympathetic development and promoting recreational use, we aim to preserve the unique character of Oldham's canals and enhance their contribution to the community.

To read the policies in full, please download the chapter extract which is available in the "downloads" section of this project page.

If, once you have read the policies and supporting information, you wish to comment on the proposed policies, then please use the survey below, to do so.