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Sheepfoot Lane

To create a more resilient region, we’ve committed to improving the health of rivers, lakes and waterways, helping to make the North West stronger, greener and healthier. That commitment includes major investment in our wastewater network and treatment infrastructure, so we can continue to reduce the frequency of combined sewer overflow (CSO) operations. 

As part of our investment plans, we’re acting right now to improve water quality. See an overview below of the investment work which will be taking place in your area.

Sheepfoot Lane CSO improvements map

One of these projects is a £5 million-pound scheme in Oldham to enhance water quality in Plumpton Clough and the River Irk by reducing the number of times our storm overflows operate.

We’ll be working in the Coldhurst and Royton area to optimise and increase the capacity of our sewer network local to Sheepfoot Lane CSO. This will involve installing new pipework and equipment, building some storage chambers and changing the location of our existing outfall.

 

Sheepfoot Lane map 2

In January 2025, we held a community drop-in session to answer your queries and share information about the Sheepfoot Lane CSO. Thank you to everyone who came along to see us and provided valuable feedback which has helped to develop our plans and reduce the impact on the local community.

  • We have now submitted a planning application to Oldham Council, with our proposal for a new outfall into Plumpton Clough Brook.  This proposal will be made available to view on the council’s website.  We expect a decision on the planning application this summer, with construction work due to begin later this year.

    As some areas of work, such as the pipeline on Sheepfoot Lane and temporary working area do not require planning permission we want to provide reassurance and confirm further changes you will not see in our planning application submission.

    • We have worked closely with Oldham Highway Authority to review the approach to the road closure which will now be done as two separate closures; To the west of Cumberland Drive for the first closure and from Cumberland Drive to the east for the second. There will be additional phases of work during each of those closures to manage access to individual properties.
    • We will put panels in place between our working area and the closest properties. This site hoarding will further reduce the visual and noise impact to residents.

  • As our planning application is considered by Oldham Council, though there will be minimal activities on-site, we will continue to work with the Council and other key stakeholders in your community to finalise the plans for this project. Our goal is to deliver maximum benefits for our customers and minimising disruption in the local area.

    We will host another drop-in session to share our final plans, start on site date and answer any questions you may have from getting to your hospital appointment to visiting Oldham Athletic football stadium. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to create a more efficient and sustainable project for everyone involved.

We will update this web page accordingly with the latest updates. Thank you for your patience.