An abandoned house “completely eroded of its character” and described as an “eyesore” could be transformed under new plans.

Hollyville Lodge off Holmfirth Road in Greenfield, which was originally a gatehouse for the Hollyville estate, is set to be turned into a three-bedroom “high-quality family home” if planning permission is granted.

According to a planning statement submitted by HNA Architects to Oldham Council, the original building was constructed between 1822 and 1854 by Mr Edmund Buckley who at the was the then owner of Hollyville (called Holly Villa at that time).

In the statement HNA Architects give a scathing summary of the building’s current condition.

Please help support Oldham Foodbank by donating to The Oldham Times' No Hungry Kids This Summer campaign

The company says the former gatehouse has been “completely eroded of its character” since its construction in the mid-19th century due to “poorly conceived” alterations made to the property in the 1990s when several extensions were added.

It adds that the building with its “very disjointed feel”, “abuts clumsily with the adjacent hillside” and feels “stylistically out of place in its surroundings”.

The statement continues that despite the property’s location “retaining an element of prestige” due to it being in the entrance to the grounds of the main house, it “does not live up to that prestige or look anything other than an eyesore”.

HNA Architects claim the “awkward levels” in the house, created by the extensions, which make it “unsuitable” for anyone who is not fully able bodied, families or the elderly, and its appearance are the reasons it has remained empty for several years with little to no interest in its occupation or regeneration.

The Oldham Times: A view of the rear of the house A view of the rear of the house (Image: HNA Architects)

The statement goes onto say the “dilapidated condition” of the house means it is “unoccupiable” in its present state.

As part of the proposals the property’s current roof and extensions will be removed and the internal areas re-arranged to give the house a “more modern feel” and make it a “home for life”.

The Oldham Times: The plans for the front of the house The plans for the front of the house (Image: HNA Architects)

The property’s new high-pitch roof will meanwhile be “more in-keeping with properties nearby” and provide space for three bedrooms and a new family bathroom.

The external landscaping will also be “improved” to work better for a family household and provide a “usable garden space” while offering more privacy and noise buffering.

The planning application is available to view on the council website.