The 11-acre development off Butterworth Lane received planning approval in February 2026. Rowland Homes has since acquired the land, and preparatory remediation work has begun with IGE continuing to provide geo-environmental engineering advice.
Once complete, the development will provide a mix of two-to-four-bedroom mews, semi-detached and detached homes, including 60 affordable properties. It will also create new public open space, with a cycleway and pedestrian links to the Rochdale Canal.
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council initially appointed IGE during the early planning stages to investigate potential ground and environmental risks.
Following a review of the site’s history, geology and environmental setting, we completed an intrusive ground investigation supported by ground-gas and groundwater monitoring and laboratory testing.
The investigation identified variable ground conditions across the site. These included deep areas of Made Ground, an infilled historic pond and deposits of peat and soft clay. A second stage of targeted investigation helped establish the extent and depth of these features.
We recommended a clean-cover system and precautionary ground-gas protection measures. Its foundation advice reflected the varying conditions across the site, with reinforced mass-fill trench foundations considered suitable in the western section and piled foundations recommended across the remainder, subject to detailed design.
IGE Consulting director Andrew Edwards said: “Brownfield sites can present several layers of uncertainty, particularly where historic development, former land uses and underlying geology combine to create variable ground conditions.
“Our investigation gave the project team a clear understanding of those conditions and how they could be managed proportionately. It is so rewarding to see work now underway to bring this vacant site back into use, delivering 149 new homes, alongside new public space and better connections for the local community.”
The investigation programme was delivered with support from RP Drilling Ltd, i2 Analytical and Murray Rix Ltd. MPSL Planning & Design prepared the initial development plan considered during IGE’s early investigations.
