An application to extend a home in Oldham into a 13-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved.

In February this year, the applicant Mr Hussain submitted a change of use proposal concerning a detached six-bedroom house on Springbank Street into a 13-bed HMO.

The documents reveal Beech House obtained planning permission for two-storey side extensions, a single-storey front porch, a single-storey link between the existing buildings, roof alterations and a single-storey extension to the rear of the building in 2023.

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While the extensions are still under construction, Mr Hussain outlined converting the extended premises into a 13-bed HMO.

Blueprints of the layout, designed by Duke Design Services, show the ground floor would make way for seven of the bedrooms, each with their own ensuite.

While there is a large lounge and dining room, a separate kitchen and an office space, three of the bedrooms also contain individual cooking facilities.

Meanwhile, the first floor would contain the remaining six bedrooms which each come with an ensuite. 

As for parking, the plan outlines four car parking spaces and up to 10 bicycle storage spaces.

Assessing the proposal, a planning officer deemed the HMO to be in a sustainable location, sitting in close proximity to convenience stores, a chip shop and a "butty shop" as well as a bus route.

When it came to protecting residential amenities, officers found the HMO poses no risks of overlooking any neighbouring properties and found while the HMO would "intensify the use of the premises", it would not lead to any significant increase in noise or disturbance.

The officer also assessed two objections that were posted to the plans.

The coal authority objected on the basis that the application did not contain a coal mining risk assessment, however, the officer found it would be "unreasonable" to make such a request considering the extensions were previously approved and construction has already started.

A neighbour also objected, citing concerns with existing parking issues and fears over a potential spike in crime.

However, the officer ruled out the objections, writing the parking issues already exist and cannot be addressed alongside the current application and that there is "no evidence" to suggest "a change from residential accommodation to residential accommodation would give rise to anti-social behaviour".

As a result, Oldham Council approved the plan on April 10 this year providing the HMO provides secure cycle parking. 

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