Residents across Royton have criticised what they describe as an 'outrageous' plan to turn a former pub into a 10-bed HMO.

Planning documents concerning the former Murphy's Bar/Blue Bell pub on Rochdale Road propose converting the building into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The documents, submitted by Eagle Property LTD on behalf of Mr Bislim Hoxha, stipulate the pub has been vacant since December 18 and outline transforming its large space into 10 bedrooms with some shared facilities.

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Sketches of the current ground floor show the pub is made up of a large open-plan public area as well as a kitchen and separate ladies' and gents' toilets.

The applicant proposes demolishing the toilets and kitchen to make way for two bedrooms and a toilet.

Meanwhile, the open-plan area would be divided into a shared kitchen/lounge area on one side while the other side would have a further three bedrooms, two shower blocks and two more toilets.

On the first floor, the pub has three bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, family bathroom and a safe room.

While the plans outline keeping the three bedrooms and kitchen intact, the applicant proposes splitting the family bathroom into two separate shower facilities and dividing the lounge to make way for two additional bedrooms.

The safe room could also be utilised as a shower room, in total containing five bedrooms, a kitchen and three washing/toilet facilities and a shared kitchen.

The application, which was submitted earlier this month, states the work on the building already started on January 8, but that the work has not been completed.

The news also comes as locals criticised the pub's makeover in 2022, which saw the Blue Belle Bar and restaurant painted turquoise with silhouettes of shamrocks and a leprechaun in keeping with its new Irish identity and name.

Roytoners described the-then new Murphy's bar as an "eyesore" and "one to avoid".

But now as many as 10 locals have formally objected to the HMO plans, calling it "outrageous" and "disgusting", while dozens more have taken to social media to voice their disapproval.

Most of the concerns residents have expressed involve parking with many citing existing "gridlock" and traffic problems in the area and a lack of adequate parking for residents and businesses.

An objector said the parking is so bad that cars are "overflowing" into the nearby Fairways residential estate and that any additional cars pose an access risk for large service vehicles and possibly emergency services.

A neighbour also described the area as "dangerous" for children travelling to and from primary schools "due to the traffic".

They added: "I am aware of at least one child being hit by a car nearby.

"The junctions joining into the main road cannot take any more traffic."

A third also described the situation as "horrendous" and said it takes them 20 minutes to get through Royton in the morning.

They said a house of 10 people will only add to the traffic, writing: "Parking will be stretched and residents will suffer."

Others also claimed an influx of new residents could impact local services, such as GP surgeries, dentists and schools, which many described as at "breaking point", "overstretched" and full.

Some also feared the loss of the pub would damage Royton's "thriving" nighttime economy, claiming that its transformation into housing "would be a backward step" and would mean the pub would be "lost forever" when it could be refurbished into another pub or restaurant.

Roytoners also said they were worried the HMO could impact local house prices and criticised what they described as a "cash cow" project that has "no respect for the local community".

Objectors have urged the council to "fix what is broken before adding to the problem".

A man on social media added: "As soon as this place popped up as 'Mirphy's Bar' and in that ridiculous colour, I knew its days were numbered."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.