Charlie Parker, Oldham Council's Chief Executive, said, "As was stated when these plans first went public on July 22, both Oldham Council and Oldham Athletic are wholly committed to talking with local residents and affected groups before detailed plans are drawn up. We have also clearly stated that we recognise the Allotments' Society is a key stakeholder in this process and we are committed to ensuring detailed discussions take place with them. The Allotments' Society currently has 15 plots on the Council-owned land which forms part of the proposed site for Oldham Athletic's new stadium."
"As part of negotiations with the local authority, Oldham Athletic agreed to provide financial compensation to the current allotment holders, plus 20 new plots on a larger site nearby, or within, that new development. I must also stress that such a move would be subject to this entire scheme gaining detailed planning consent. Officers first contacted the Allotments' Society about these proposals on July 14 by telephone contact with Alan Davies and Tracey Cunningham. An email was also sent to them that day."
"Officers again contacted them on July 29 via email, further proposing that a meeting be set up with Oldham Council's Regeneration team to discuss these plans in further detail. We requested that they suggest a date and time for this and await a formal response. The Council also understands that Oldham Athletic is planning to hold a public meeting to discuss the plans and answer questions with all affected parties with a provisional date of August 10. We remain confident that the views of the Allotments' Society and other affected parties will be fully reflected in any final proposals for the good of the whole community."