A well-loved former pub in Werneth could be transformed into an 11-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO), plans reveal.

The Royal Oak pub on Manchester Road has stood vacant since March this year after it proved to be "an unviable business".

The beloved spot was believed to be Werneth's "last pub" and despite patrons calling to spare the pub after the landlord left in August last year, the shutters closed for the final time two months ago.

Now, it is hoped the building will accommodate 11 people as the applicant, SS Property Group Ltd, outlined plans to transform the building into an HMO.

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While the plans have only just been submitted to Oldham Council this month, meaning a decision has not yet been made, the plans stipulate the two-storey building would contain 11 bedrooms with shared kitchen and dining facilities.

Each bedroom would have its own bathroom which, the plans reveal, is larger in size than the minimum requirement outlined by the Council.

The rooms would also have their own windows which will provide "a good level of outlook", the plans state, with them being "free from overlooking from facing properties".

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SS Property Group Ltd claimed the HMO would have a "high standard of design" in terms of its living space and accommodation, with soundproofing, natural light and ventilation.

It also said there is a "pleasant" private rear garden outside which would provide amenity space and access to communal bike storage for up to 15 bikes, as well as laundry facilities in the basement.

This communal area would provide a space to sit outside and present the opportunity for residents and visitors to socialise, in turn helping to "foster a sense of community within the development".

The neighbouring retail shop would also not present any loss to occupiers by the way of noise, security or odour, it added.

The location has been identified as ideal for an HMO of this size what with the premises being close to shops, offices, employment units, mosques, leisure facilities and Werneth Park as well as good transport links.

This also means there is less pressure for occupiers to own a car, therefore reducing carbon emissions, though the plans state there is a public car park on Norfolk Street for 12 cars and some on-street parking available on surrounding residential streets.

Finally, the applicant said the HMO would make headway into helping Oldham's housing targets, diversifying the housing stock and protecting green belt land.

There have been no public objections to the plans posted on the Council website so far.

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