THE team at Northern Roots has responded to accusations that the project “ignored” a community group made up of members that live near the site.
The administrator of the Snipe Clough and Bankfield Clough the people’s voice, Jamie Sidebottom claims the group, that was created in March last year, has been “very unsuccessful” in having its “collective opinion” on the project heard.
The Northern Roots project aims to transform 160 acres of land at Snipe Clough into UK’s largest urban farm and eco park.
Mr Sidebottom has told The Oldham Times that he is trying to get those behind the Northern Roots project to acknowledge the group’s existence and give its collective voice “special consideration”.
Mr Sidebottom believes representatives from Northern Roots are not acknowledging the group as they are “afraid of strength in numbers”.
He added: “All we currently are asking Northern Roots to do is to attend a meeting with our group, the real local people’s collective voice, if they have nothing to hide or fear why can they not grant us this meeting?”
In response, representatives at Northern Roots have said they have met with Mr. Sidebottom “numerous times” over the last couple of years and “responded promptly” to his concerns.
A spokesperson from Northern Roots added: “We have consistently shared opportunities to get involved in the Northern Roots project with him and his Facebook group, including information about all consultations as well as opportunities to take part in programmes including environmental volunteering and bee keeping training.
“Mr Sidebottom and other residents have been offered a bespoke tour by the Northern Roots landscape manager to discuss the proposals for the site but have not taken up this offer.
“At this point in the consultation process nothing is set in stone; there will be three further phases of public consultation prior to the submission of the planning application for the site. We warmly welcome residents’ feedback, concerns and ideas and hope Mr. Sidebottom and others will meet us to discuss in more detail.”
Northern Roots is holding two initial consultation events in September, where residents can meet the Northern Roots team, find out more about the initial masterplan proposal, building designs and project, and share ideas, feedback, and concerns.
The first consultation is on Saturday, September 4, from 11am to 3pm, at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Oldham outside Debenhams and the second is on Thursday, September 16, from 3pm to 7.30pm at Alexandra Park Depot, 5 Kings Road, Oldham.
Article originally appeared on the Oldham Times
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