A proposal for a 15-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Oldham has been approved despite opposition from residents.

Plans for the HMO on Bar Gap Road, just south of Oldham's Edge, were originally submitted in August to the council.

The building, which sits in a predominantly residential neighbourhood, has been occupied by OSS Electrical Controls since 1985 and was most recently used as a storage premises.

However, the business is understood to no longer be financially viable, therefore leaving the structure available.

Many residents in the area voiced their opposition to the proposal both to The Oldham Times and in online comments on the application.

Despite this, the application was recommended to be approved by the case officer and it was done so on behalf of the council on January 13.

Some of the reasons why residents objected to the plans included existing car parking issues, a rise in traffic and fears over an increase in anti-social behaviour and noise.

One person to share their concerns with The Oldham Times was Melissa Wands, who has lived on the road for 19 years.

She said she feared there will be "chaos" from the construction work and disruption to the tranquillity of the area along with a "loss of privacy" for those who live opposite and a potential rise in crime, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

Another person to submit a comment objecting to the application was David Oakes, the vice chair of governors at the nearby Holy Cross Primary School.

He wrote: "This property on 36 Bar Gap Road is in very close proximity to two schools, Holy Cross Primary School only 50 yards away and the Bluecoat School some 150 yards away and so my first concern is to the safeguarding of school children around this area."

The case officer recommended the proposal be approved as they felt the development would not significantly harm the neighbouring land and that the amenity of future residents would be suitable.

Although residents shared their concerns over a potential increase in traffic and parking issues, the council's Highways Engineer was satisfied the development would not lead to a significant rise in traffic.

The developer, A & S Properties Ltd, previously said it would ensure future inhabitants rely on public transport.