In the suburban landscape of Lees, Oldham, a fierce community battle is being waged. At its center is the preservation of Thornley Brook Valley and Ashbrook Valley—two of the area's last remaining "green lungs." The Facebook community Save Our Valleys (Lees) serves as the digital headquarters for a movement of local residents, environmentalists, and concerned citizens united against a major development project that threatens to change the character of their neighborhood forever.
The campaign is a quintessential example of modern "People Power," highlighting the tension between urban expansion and the intrinsic value of natural heritage.
The catalyst for the "Save Our Valleys" movement is a planning proposal to construct 265 new homes and a major new link road through the heart of the valleys. While local authorities often cite the "national housing crisis" and the need for modern infrastructure as justifications for such projects, the residents of Lees argue that the cost—both environmental and social—is far too high.
The campaign focuses on three primary areas of concern:
Thornley Brook and Ashbrook Valleys are not merely empty fields; they are complex ecosystems. The valleys provide a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, including protected species of bats, birds of prey, and a wealth of insect life essential for local biodiversity.
Habitat Fragmentation: The construction of a link road is particularly damaging, as it "slices" through wildlife corridors, preventing species from moving safely between habitats and leading to a decline in local populations.
Flood Risk: Like many valleys in the North of England, these areas act as natural sponges. Residents are deeply concerned that replacing permeable soil and ancient vegetation with concrete and tarmac will increase the risk of flooding for existing homes further down the valley.
For the people of Lees and the wider Oldham area, these valleys are essential for mental and physical health. They provide a space for walking, exercise, and a "wild" escape from urban life. The "Save Our Valleys" group emphasizes that once these spaces are built upon, they are lost forever. In an era where the government increasingly recognizes the "social prescribing" of nature for mental health, the group argues that destroying such a resource is a regressive step for the community's future.
Beyond the environmental impact, the group highlights the practical "quality of life" issues. Adding 265 homes—potentially 500+ additional cars—onto already congested local roads is a major point of contention. The proposed link road, rather than alleviating traffic, is seen by many as a "road to nowhere" that will simply draw more heavy traffic into a residential area, increasing air and noise pollution.
The Save Our Valleys Facebook group is more than just a forum for complaints; it is a sophisticated tool for civic engagement. Through the platform, the community has organized:
Crowdfunding for Legal Expertise: Realizing that passion alone isn't enough, the group has worked to raise funds to hire planning consultants and ecological experts to challenge the development's technical assessments.
Public Demonstrations: From "solidarity walks" through the valleys to protests outside council meetings, the group ensures that the opposition is visible and vocal.
Political Pressure: By mobilizing thousands of individual planning objections, the group forces local councilors and planning committees to take the community’s concerns seriously, reminding them that they are accountable to their constituents.
A core tenet of the Save Our Valleys campaign is the advocacy for a "Brownfield First" policy. The group argues that Oldham has numerous derelict industrial sites and empty urban plots that should be prioritized for housing before a single blade of grass is touched in the valleys. They contend that building on "Greenfield" sites is simply a choice for developer profit over community need, as building on pristine land is often cheaper and easier than cleaning up former industrial sites.
The fight for Thornley Brook and Ashbrook Valleys is a microcosm of a struggle happening across the UK. It asks the fundamental question: What kind of world are we building? For the members of Save Our Valleys (Lees), the answer is clear. They believe that a home is more than just four walls—it is the environment that surrounds it. By standing up against the "destruction" of their valleys, they are fighting for a future where nature and community are prioritized over short-term development gains. Their movement is a testament to the fact that when a community finds its voice, it can become a powerful barrier against the loss of the landscapes they love.
To follow the campaign, sign petitions, or join the local movement, visit the community page at facebook.com/saveourvalleyslees.
