A home which was the subject of a controversial planning application for an extension is confirmed to be developed into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Residents of Norfolk Crescent in Failsworth voiced their opposition in January of this year and going back to last year to a proposal to create an extension at a property on the street.

Many believed that the extension would lead to the property being converted into a HMO and wanted the extension to be turned down on that basis, with the proposed extension being described as "a wolf in sheep's clothing".

The extension was approved and now, the property is officially set to be turned into a HMO after a certificate of lawfulness was issued.

The original extensions received dozens of objections on the council's website and on January 24, the application was discussed at a meeting of Oldham Council's planning committee.

At the meeting, local councillor Sandra Ball spoke on behalf of unhappy residents, saying: "All the residents believe this application is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"By submitting this application under the guise of a family home extension at this stage, the developer is trying to pull a fast one by using a loophole in the application system."

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 

She said all the residents believe the home will be converted into a HMO and that the "underhanded approach" of the applicant had unsettled residents and caused them anxiety.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant was the proposal agent Ahmed Choudhury from Nada Architects, who said the proposal was a regular household application and that the applicant would have permitted development rights to convert the property into a HMO in the future if they wished to.

The extension, which would see the property have six bedrooms and five bathrooms in total, was approved, and last month, plans were submitted for it to be converted into a HMO.

Now, these plans will go ahead after a certificate of lawfulness was issued on behalf of Oldham Council.

According to an application report, the property can only house six people and if that number is exceeded, formal planning permission will be required.