A FORMER pub which was closed following the effects of the pandemic is set to be be turned into flats.

The Shepherds Boy in Oldham shut earlier this year with the pub stating its brewery decided to close it along with 33 others.

The pub thanked its customers for their business over the years.

On social media on March 3, a pub spokesman said: "Sadly, the effects of Covid 19-stretch far and wide.

"The brewery has decided to close 34 pubs and the Shepherds Boy will be one of the unlucky community pubs to shut its doors.

"We appreciate the many people and families that used this historic pub over the years and wish you and your loved ones a safe future."

Following the pub's closure, a change-of-use planning application was submitted to the council to convert the site into eight one-bed apartments, and one two-bed apartment.

The beer garden and other land will be used to create three parking spaces, a cycle store for 10 bikes, with space for bin storage and a seating/amenity area under the plans.

An application document, prepared by agent Paul Butler Associates, stated: "The property is understood to have been vacant since February 2021.

"The general decline of the public house sector of the past 10-20 years is well documented.

"In addition, such decline has recently been exacerbated by the economic impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic, which is likely to have influenced the closure of the Shepherds Boy.

"The premises has deteriorated and would require investment before the building could ever be reoccupied.

"It is also worth noting that it is not uncommon for a vacant public house to be converted to residential use."

The document added the apartments would be "compatible with neighbouring development and help to increase footfall to nearby commercial uses".

The council approved the proposals this week.