Former Oldham pub will be converted into 11-bed HMO

At a meeting of the committee on Wednesday (December 7) evening, plans were outlined on the proposal to make use of the property which previously served as the Farmers Boy pub in Waterhead on Huddersfield Road.

The pub ceased trading in December 2021 and it had not been a profitable business since before the pandemic.

The two-storey traditional brick building has remained vacant over the last year, however, the property will now offer housing for people in the area.

During the meeting, Cllr Angela Cosgrove raised concerns over car parking on the footpath in front of the building, which sits adjacent to an Asda supermarket.

She queried if it was possible to block parking on the footpath, but Cllr Peter Dean, chair of the planning committee, said it was an issue of enforcement and would be something that would be looked into.

Speaking in favour of the proposal at the meeting was Tariq Mushtaq, director of First Choice Investments, which redevelops vacant sites in the area.

He said the building would be brought "back to life" and that the units the company redeveloped were often given back to the council to offer housing for people who are in need.

The HMO would have a shared kitchen and communal area, while each bedroom would have its own shower room.

The building, which also has a basement, will not undergo any major external work, with the only alterations to be the creation of two ground-floor windows which will not result in any harm to the building.

Next to the structure is an alleyway leading to an area of land to the rear of the building which could be used as a car parking space for residents.

A secure cycle storage area has been provided and must be installed before the occupation of the property should it be approved, which will likely be on the area of land behind the property.

The site is also on the doorstep of multiple bus routes and is walking distance from Derker Metrolink station.