Oldham pub is set to be transformed into nine flats

The former Forresters Arms on 316 Oldham Road in Failsworth, which is considered to be 'fire damaged', has been vacant for some time.

Although construction work has already begun on the building, which the applicant claims was started by the previous owner, a fresh application submitted in April this year outlined transforming the disused site into nine self-contained apartments.

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A design and access statement describes the site as ideal for future occupiers, with a large Aldi and Tesco supermarket just a few minutes walk away, as well as close proximity to bus stops, Failsworth tram stop and Lord Lane playing field.

Work had already started on the building before the plans were approved (Image: Oldham Council)

The plans further reveal each apartment will have its own shower room, double bedroom and open-plan kitchen/living space.

While there will be just two car parking spaces available for residents, the documents outline there will also be a secure cycling unit at the rear of the building.

While the plans were approved by Oldham Council on Wednesday (July 12), four neighbours objected to the plans.

One neighbour said they were concerned the apartments would pose an "invasion of privacy" as the dormer will "overlook the back of houses" - and cited a potential increase in noise and possible odour from the refuge storage.

The objector also said there are "definitely not enough spaces for cars for nine dwellings" and feared the development would add pressure on adjacent Valentine Street, "where parking is already a problem".

While it was recognised in the plans that the apartments could impact neighbouring properties on Valentine Street, the applicant said the windows would be located on the side elevation and wouldn't overlook rear gardens or bring any significant loss of privacy for neighbours.

But another neighbour raised the issue that the apartment building "did not have planning permission when built" and claimed, "this was granted retrospectively, without prior consultation with local residents".

The resident similarly raised what they described as "drastically inadequate" parking provision and poor access to Oldham Road.

"Two spaces for nine apartments? Somewhat presumptuous to assume that people would not have cars.

"Another thing - whose bright idea was it to put the exit from the development so close to a busy junction with traffic lights? There is significant traffic build-up already here at busy times, and this is just going to get worse with vehicles potentially coming and going at all hours", they added.

A third similarly said the plans "should not have gone ahead" and claimed it had been built "without planning permission".

They said the second-storey extension overlooks their rear garden where their child plays.

"My privacy has totally gone", the comment concluded.

The final objector claimed there were "only eight" flats in the original plan and was built anyway "without planning".

Their final comment read: "I suggest you have building control round to check the works as, in my opinion, it was built to not a very good standard."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.