A planning application to build an eight-bed houses in multiple occupation (HMO) above a Subway has been approved.

In September last year, a proposal was submitted by Footlong UK Ltd to transform numbers 69 to 71 on Featherstall Road above a pharmacy and a Subway sandwich shop into an HMO.

The plans stipulate changing the first and second floors to make way for eight bedrooms, each with an ensuite and kitchenette, plus a shared kitchen and dining area.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

It also outlines a new rear dormer and single storey rear extension.

A design and access planning statement further reveals the site has been predominately used as retail, storage and residential units over the years.

The applicant said they want to provide "high quality" co-living facilities in the area for professionals and public sector workers and promised to provide a large kitchen, dining and living space to a "high standard".

Each room will have its own ensuite and a small kitchenette to prepare hot drinks in their rooms.

Outside, a bicycle rack has been proposed to provide safe storage for up to eight bikes though the applicant also said there is a free car park across the road and on-street parking to the front.

The bedrooms will also come fully furnished and will be let out to "fully vetted and verified people" to ensure "the use as a HMO will not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area and neighbours".

Assessing the plans in November, a planning officer described the site as a "sustainable location" as it sits near public transport links.

As the character of the surrounding area is "mixed", the officer said the plans would not pose any risk to the appearance of the street scene or to other properties.

While the occupiers of the house will be sharing the 22.3 square metre kitchen, the plans state it complies with the minimum relevant standards.

However, the officer found the pharmacy and Subway could pose a noise risk to the occupiers on the first floor.

While no objections were raised by environmental health, the officer recommended soundproofing to minimise any disturbance.

The officer added: "It is also important to highlight that the future residents would be aware of the use below and this would be personal choice as to whether a room was rented."

The plans also don't identify any provision for off-road parking, yet "given the nature of where the units are sited", there were no objections to the proposal and instead suggested providing a cycle storage unit.

In addition, the HMO would not have any outdoor space for its occuipers which the officer again said is common for town centre homes.

The planning department said the HMO conversion would be of economic and social benefit for the borough, providing smaller and affordable accommodation for residents in a sustainable location.

As a result, the plans were approved on February 16 this year under the condition soundproofing and a cycle storage unit have been provided.

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.