An application looking to turn former shops into two separate houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) has been approved.

In August last year, plans were submitted to change two former shops on Huddersfield Road into the HMOs, which will each have four separate en-suite bedrooms.

Now, following the amendment of the initial plans, the application has been approved.

The adjacent addresses at 181 and 183 Huddersfield Road, which adjoin a William Hill betting shop, previously operated as shops but are currently vacant.

The planning officer felt the change of use from shops to residential properties was appropriate, subject to certain conditions.

As part of the development of the properties into HMOs, a rear dormer extension will be carried out to create more space in the buildings.

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The extension was not part of the original plans but was included in the amended proposals, along with the removal of the shop fronts on the ground floor.

The planning officer said the removal of the shop fronts would be more in keeping with the intended use of the building.

Each property will have an en-suite bedroom, shared lounge and shared kitchen on the ground floor, two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor and a landing and single en-suite bedroom on the second floor.

According to the planning officer, the bedrooms will be of a "suitable size" for future occupiers and were considered acceptable.

The HMOs will sit in a busy shopping area of Huddersfield Road, just a short walk away from a Tesco Extra, with the road also providing strong bus links to Oldham town centre and Manchester city centre.

No comments regarding the proposal were left by any members of the public on the application.

The planning officer recommended the application be given the green light and it was formally approved on behalf of Oldham Council on June 23.