Land at Roaches, Eastern site of Manchester Road, Mossley, OL5 9BL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The loss of employment land and compliance with the relevant policies of the development plan
• The effect of the proposed development on the operation of nearby industrial premises
• Whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers
• The effect of the proposed development on trees located adjacent to the site
• Whether the proposed access would be acceptable in design terms

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate that the loss of employment land is justified, that acceptable living conditions could be provided given proximity to industrial premises and trees, and that the operation of nearby businesses would not be adversely affected, collectively meant the proposal conflicted with the development plan as a whole.

The moderate weight in favour of the provision of new dwellings did not outweigh the conflict with the development plan in respect of employment land loss, living conditions, and protection of adjacent trees and industrial operations.