A proposal to turn a stock room and staff facilities into several flats and bedsits above a shop in Oldham has been approved.

In December last year, Ahmar Shad of Investwise Properties LTD submitted a proposal to transform the vacant floors above a furniture and bed shop on 109-113 Yorkshire Street into accommodation. 

The plans stipulate changing the first and second floors from retail use into bedrooms and flats above the shop, with one two-bed flat, three one-bed flats and two bedsits.

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Blueprints show the first floor would make way for a large two-bedroom flat and a smaller one-bedroom flat, each with its own separate lounge, kitchen and bathroom.

Next door, a bedsit is also proposed which has an open-plan bed area and lounge plus a separate bathroom and kitchen.

Meanwhile, the second floor would have another bedsit, comprised of an open-plan lounge and sleeping area, and two separate one-bed flats.

The property could provide accommodation for at least seven people or possibly more if the flats are shared between two.

The plans also come as Mr Shad was granted planning permission in 2022 to build a second floor extension to the rear of the property and change the upper floors into a 10-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Visiting the premises last year, a planning officer supported the proposal for the flats.

The case officer said the plan is "acceptable" as the ground floor would remain in use as a shop, its vacant floors above would be brought into use and the few external alterations pose little risk to the character and appearance of the street scene.

However, the report reveals the flats could be near a care home, which was recently granted planning permission.

Yet, the officer said that given its distance and "intervenability", plus the fact no objections were received from neighbours nor the Council's Environment Protection Section, this alone would not warrant a refusal.

As a result, Oldham Council approved the plans on March 22 this year.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk