A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is set to be developed above a grocery store following the approval of a planning application.

The property on Ashton Road currently serves as Oldham Food Store on the ground floor with the first floor being in residential use.

Now, the entire first floor will become a five-bedroom HMO, with a shared kitchen and bathrooms.

According to an application report by planning officer for Oldham Council Abiola Labisi, the property is in an area with a mix of commercial and residential buildings and would be in keeping with its surroundings.

No external alterations are set to take place, meaning no significant harm is expected to affect neighbours of the property.

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Original floor plans showed initial plans for six bedrooms, however this was reduced to five.

Residents will share a kitchen as well as two bathrooms.

The Highways Engineer was consulted and raised on objections to the plans, despite the fact there are no on-site parking facilities available.

Mr Labisi said the site is close to public transport services and did not expect for the HMO to cause any significant change to the existing parking situation in the area.

The plans were recommended for approval and were formally given the green light on March 11.