ITEM NO. THE EXECUTIVE 14 OCTOBER 2002 REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE POLICY PERFORMANCE AND REGENERATION DIGGLE FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT 1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 1.1 To inform the Executive of the development of the Diggle Framework document and to seek comments on the content of the document; 1.2 To seek authority to progress the initiative as set out in the report and support bids for external funding as necessary. 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 The re-opening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation in April 2001 has provided the opportunity to look at the Diggle area and how benefits can be brought to the area without causing detriment to the local community. 2.2 In promoting tourism development arising from the restoration of the Canal, we are presented with an opportunity to examine the Diggle area, including sites such as the former Diggle Tip and Station Road railway sidings and in turn produce a comprehensive study which will guide development to capitalise upon the tourism and leisure potential of the area. This in turn will generate extra visitor trips, demands for car parking and the need for improved visitor facilities, which will all need to be managed in a co- ordinated and comprehensive manner. 2.3 The aims of the framework are as follows: • To encourage and direct appropriate development; • Secure economic, social and environmental benefits for Diggle in particular, neighbouring areas of Saddleworth and Oldham borough in general; • Enhance and protect the sensitive rural and conservation aspects of the locality; • Make the best use of the opportunities afforded by the area and its environs; • Develop Oldham’s tourism industry in conjunction with other complementary uses; • Promote opportunities for appropriate private sector investment, building on the Millennium project to re-open the Standedge tunnel and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation and • Assist the Council and its partners in making bids for external funding. 3 THE DIGGLE FRAMEWORK 3.1 The area covered by the Framework document is located within the village of Diggle. The area is bounded to the west by Huddersfield Road, to the north by Sam Road, new housing and the Standedge Tunnels, to the east by railway sidings and to the south by Ward Lane. The area to the north and west is primarily housing, with Diggle County Primary School on Sam Road. The area to the east includes Digglea Conservation Area (mostly residential) and open countryside. To the south is open space including a children’s play area. 3.2 In 1998, the former Environmental Services Department produced a planning brief for public consultation. The planning brief focussed primarily on the Warth and Ellis mills complex and concerned itself mainly with the land use planning issues in the area. 3.3 With the re-opening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation in April 2001, it was felt that this would be an opportune time to revisit the planning brief. The new document has a wider focus, looking at the whole of the village of Diggle and also having a wider remit than a standard planning brief, looking at other issues that may impact on the village and the surrounding area. An action plan highlighting the main proposals, lead agencies and timescales also forms part of the document. 3.4 The framework has already been through several stages of consultation and has been amended following comments received. Those consulted include: • Relevant officers within the Council; • The Ward Members and the former Executive Members for regeneration and communities and environment and transport; • British Waterways; • Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale; • North West Development Agency; • GM Passenger Transport Executive; • Railtrack; • Diggle 21 Action Group; • Huddersfield Canal Society; • Oldham Chamber of Commerce; • Saddleworth Tourism Organisation Of the external organisations, only Railtrack and GM Passenger Transport Executive responded. 3.5 The framework document has also been presented to Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee for their consideration. The report was very warmly welcomed and Members of the Committee provided very positive comments. 3.6 A copy of the full Diggle Framework document is available on request from either of the contact officers listed at the end of the report. 4 CONTENT OF THE DIGGLE FRAMEWORK 4.1 The Diggle Framework details the background to the development of the document, the local and national planning policies to be considered and the key issues affecting Diggle. The main part of the report details a number of new developments that are envisaged for Diggle over the coming years. These are Diggle Rail Station, Sam Road/Diggle Tip, Tunnel End attractions, a new visitor centre and Warth and Ellis Mills. 4.2 Diggle Rail Station § The development of a rail station would be of great benefit to the people of Diggle. The nearest rail station at present is in Greenfield, approximately 4 kilometres away. The location of the station in respect of the village will be crucial to its ultimate success or otherwise. The final location of the station will only be decided upon following detailed investigations to find the most appropriate site. § The Council will therefore continue to work with the Passenger Transport Executive and Railtrack to bring forward the development of a rail station for Diggle at the earliest opportunity. 4.3 Sam Road/Diggle Tip § The site of the former Diggle Tip is allocated as Recreational Open Space within the UDP. The site has been secured for public use by a planning agreement relating to the building of housing on Sam Road. Once the land has been formally handed to the Council, consultation work will be undertaken with local residents as to how they would like to see the area developed for the benefit of the village as a whole. § If more extensive improvements are sought for the area, additional sources of funding will have to be identified. Therefore, the Council will work with local residents and other organisations to bring forward sustainable improvements for the area. 4.4 Tunnel End Attractions § The perception of local people is that all the major attractions relating to the Canal have been focussed at the Marsden end of the Standedge Tunnel. Indeed, at first sight of the Diggle end of the Tunnel, it does beg the question of what is all the fuss about. The tunnel portal is closed off behind a padlocked rusting gate. There is no signage or interpretation to tell you that this is the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in the country and there are no facilities for boaters. § These, however, are fairly small scale problems that could be rectified quite easily and with only a modest amount of expenditure. Council officers will work with British Waterways and the Huddersfield Canal Society to bring forward these improvements. 4.5 New Visitor Centre § The Brownhill Visitor Centre, run by Oldham Countryside Service, provides a base for the Ranger service in this part of the Borough. However, the building is not ideal. The car parking is inadequate, the layout of the building makes it difficult to run educational sessions for children, the toilet facilities are not contained within the main building and the office facilities for staff are cramped. Therefore, there is scope for a new centre to be developed, offering something in addition to a normal countryside service visitor centre. A possible location for such a new development could be on the linear site that stretches north from Ward Lane to the canal. § The development of a new visitor centre could provide an example of best practice in sustainable development and building techniques. It is envisaged that the building and surroundings could provide a number of facilities including: • Exhibition space • Separate classroom area • Auditorium/conference area • Forestry demonstration area • Wetland area • Community composting area The new centre would also be used as a resource for the local community, with rooms being available for hire by local groups. § A full feasibility study is to be undertaken to assess the potential market for such a development. If the feasibility study provides a positive indication, it is envisaged that officers will begin the development of bids for funding for the development of the centre, subject to the normal planning procedures. 4.6 Future use of Warth and Ellis Mills § Warth and Ellis Mills are located adjacent to the Canal and although only just visible from the Canal, they could provide a very important facility. The re-opening of the Canal provides the opportunity for the mills to be redeveloped to provide new canal related uses. However, the buildings and their immediate surroundings are in need of new investment and refurbishment. § The realisation or otherwise of this potential lies entirely with market forces, with both buildings being privately owned. Any development of the mills would be subject to normal planning procedures and public consultation before any decisions are made. 5 NEXT STEPS 5.1 Following approval of the document by The Executive, the Framework Document will become a working document for the Council, used to guide the future development of Diggle over the coming years. 6 WARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTS 6.1 The Ward Members have previously been consulted on the document. No comments were received other than those reported at Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee. 7 TREASURERS COMMENTS 7.1 Not applicable 8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS 8.1 The Diggle Framework sets out broad proposals for the development of the area over the next 10 years. Energy – nil Transport – The proposed development of a new rail station will provide a viable alternative form of public transport for local residents and visitors to the area. Pollution – nil Consumption and use of resources – nil Built environment – The framework document encourages the re-use of the mill buildings.