An extension for a five-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) above an existing HMO and a row of shops in Oldham has been approved, planning documents reveal.

The proposal, which was submitted in October last year, outlines building a second floor over an existing two-storey rear extension on 26 Neild Street to create five bedrooms.

The blueprint of the plans show each of the bedrooms have a separate toilet facility and occupiers have access to a common room and a shared kitchen, as well as a car park.

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The proposal comes as the applicant, Mr Abid Hussain Bhati, was granted planning permission for the existing nine-bed HMO beneath it in 2012.

The plans altogether reveal the whole building will contain up to 14 bedrooms with the ground floor reserved for shops, the first floor leading to a photography studio and five bedrooms, the second floor containing four bedrooms and the proposed new extension bringing the further five rooms.

Assessing the extension, a planning officer found the proposal to increase housing stock and, as the building is already used as a HMO, would be "in keeping" with the pattern of development of the site.

As the bedrooms exceed the standard requirements, the officer determined the HMO has sufficient amenity space for its occupiers.

There is also a car park at the side of the property and although it's unclear if this is exclusively for the use of the tenants and retail units, the officer found the building's close proximity to public transport means the likelihood of occupiers having a car "would be low".

In addition, the officer found the extension would not be visible from the public road as it is lower in height than the main building and therefore would not adversely impact the character of the area.

As a result, Oldham Council approved the plans on March 15 this year.  

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