Masterplan

Masterplan

We’ve crafted a masterplan for Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley that’s rooted in local character and shaped by real conversations. By listening to stakeholders and understanding the area’s geography and community dynamics, we’ve focused on improving connections- between neighbourhoods, across the valley, and to public transport and schools.

Each neighbourhood will have its own identity which will be focused around a strong and vibrant public realm and green space network. Opportunities to interact with and discover nature will be key to the design of the green and blue spaces, bringing nature and wildlife into the heart of each neighbourhood.

Technical challenges like level changes and flood risk have been tackled head-on, allowing us to propose approximately 1,500 homes- fewer than policy suggests- to protect green space and biodiversity. The Spatial Design Code captures this vision, setting the tone for a place that’s connected, resilient, and distinctly local.

The proposed masterplan below has emerged out of the process of understanding the site’s current opportunities and challenges, it’s local context and the needs and requirements of the local community.

Infrastructure Delivery

This Masterplan and Spatial Design Code guides the development of two allocated sites in Oldham—Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley—as set out in the Places for Everyone plan adopted in March 2024. It informs future planning applications to ensure development aligns with the shared vision for the area. Policy requirements for development on the allocated sites are set out below:

Housing and Employment

Deliver – 2,000 high-quality family and affordable homes

Provide -21,000 m² of industrial and warehouse space, extending Higginshaw Business Park

Create a local centre with shops and essential services

Support education through on-site school places and/or contributions to local schools

Connectivity and Transport

Provide main access:

  • Beal Valley: from Oldham Road
  • Broadbent Moss: from Ripponden Road with a new link road to Oldham Road

Promote walking, cycling, and public transport

Support a new Metrolink stop and park & ride at Broadbent Moss

Improve connections between:

  • Metrolink stop, both sites, surrounding neighbourhoods, bus routes, and green corridors

Deliver new or upgraded infrastructure for sustainable travel

Green Infrastructure and Flood Management

Enhance the Pennine Foothills landscape and accessible Green Belt

Protect and restore habitats, especially the Beal Valley river corridor and water quality

Provide open space, sports, and recreation facilities (e.g., Heyside Cricket Club)

Develop a wetland catchment area to boost flood storage and integrate it with green infrastructure

Housing delivery

The Masterplan is proposing to deliver approximately 1,500 new homes providing a range of dwelling types and sizes to deliver inclusive neighbourhoods and meet local needs, including a mix of high-quality family housing.

This represents almost a 20% reduction from the original Places for Everyone (PfE) proposal, reflecting a thoughtful response to feedback our aim to create a more liveable, development that retains more green spaces. The focus is not on building more, but on creating homes that seamlessly integrate with existing communities, supported by essential infrastructure, green spaces, and amenities that enhance the local area.

The plan features a diverse range of new homes in various types and sizes. Whether you’re just starting out, growing your family, or looking to downsize, there will be a home for you here, including:

  • 1 and 2-bedroom apartments – ideal for first-time buyers, young professionals, or older residents looking to downsize.
  • 2 and 3-bedroom houses – perfect for couples and growing families.
  • 4 and 5-bedroom family homes – offering more space for larger households and providing opportunities for people to move up the property ladder without leaving the area.
  • Homes designed for older people – including accessible and adaptable homes, and potential for extra care housing. 
  • The development will include a proportion of affordable housing, helping more people get onto the housing ladder.

All homes will be part of walkable, green neighbourhoods with, easy access to parks, shops, and schools, safe streets and play areas and a strong sense of community.