Plans for the first floor of the new Tim Hortons in Oldham to be used as a residential flat have been approved.

In March, before the new drive-thru opened, a proposal was submitted for the space above the restaurant, which was not affected by the extension and installation of a drive-thru, to be used as accommodation.

Now, the application has been approved by Oldham Council as the plans comply with planning policies and would not require any work to be carried out.

The new Tim Hortons replaced what was previously The Bridgewater pub on Manchester Road and the restaurant has not altered the first floor in any way.

The upstairs floor functioned as a manager's flat when The Bridgewater was open, and this has been maintained.

In a cover letter part of the planning application prepared by Williams Gallagher, it is said that the space has been used for purposes similar to a flat for at least 25 years and making it a flat would represent "a productive and efficient use of existing space".

In an application report prepared by the planning officer for the council, they said the space would be appropriate as a flat due to the fact amenities were already in place and the current size is acceptable.

They added that due to the fact the space has previously been used as a flat and the existing background noise of Manchester Road, it would be "unreasonable" to refuse the application on the basis of potential disturbance from the ground floor restaurant.

In terms of parking, no set parking space has been suggested for the occupier of the flat, but the applicant has insisted there are enough parking spaces in the Tim Hortons car park to accommodate the resident.

The application was recommended for approval by the planning officer and was approved on behalf of the council on May 12.