Nine families can now build the homes of their dreams after getting the green light from Oldham Council to form a new eco-community in Springhead. The old breakers yard off Cooper Street will be transformed into ‘Laureates Places’ using reused materials, efficient solar panels, bodpave road and green roofs to blend with surroundings.

The project came about because a family interested in self-build contacted Invisible Homes, but couldn’t afford to buy a plot in Saddleworth, where they live and work.

After discussions, a group was formed to bring together nine families who had all contacted Invisible Homes separately with similar requests.

Invisible Homes found them the affordable brownfield site, which they purchased for £200,000 in February 2014 and set about working on their personal designs.

Now, with planning permission in place and with the help of a £79,000 Homes and Communities Agency Grant for planning costs, they are ready to turn their dream homes into a reality.

Steve Bradley and his partner Alison are one of the families involved.

Steve said: “Alison and I are ecstatic. We are so grateful to the Council and local residents for allowing this to happen and we cannot wait to get started on the building.”

Designer Deramore Hutchcroft, from Invisible Homes who is leading the project, said: “We are currently working on fine-tuning the foundation details and the remediation strategy for the site.

“We have had a lot of 6am meetings and late night design sessions as the project planning needs to work around people’s jobs, which is the nature of self-build. But putting the time in generates great rewards that pay off with a fantastic homes they can really call their own.”

The group also recently held a tree planting session opposite The Three Crowns at Scouthead, where they have planted hedging ‘whips’ which will mature during the construction period and be transferred as soon as the houses are completed.

Invisible Build are looking for self-builders for multiple plots in Saddleworth. If you are interested and would like to find out more visit www.invisible.build