The site of a popular discount shop which stood in Shaw for almost 20 years is to be turned into a one-bed home, planning documents reveal.

Poundbuster, which was initially a veterinary clinic, arrived on Shaw's Market Street in 2004.

The shop was run by Raja Sajjad and his family, serving the community for almost two decades with bargains.

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The shop also hit headlines last year as the family launched a scheme which gave people aged over 60 a special discount on their items.

However, it was announced in May this year that the independent family-run business would be closing its doors for good.

Speaking to The Oldham Times at the time, the 51-year-old said his father, 76, who was "the rock behind the business", had fallen ill and taken a step back while his own children couldn't take over the shop as they were studying at university.

The father of three said the cost-of-living crisis was another factor that was taking a toll on the business and he was ultimately ready for a career change to become a freelance life coach.

Mr Sajjad said he would "miss the people" who frequent the shop and added: “It wasn’t just a retail business, it was a community shop.

"The pandemic brought us very, very close together. We’re helping each other. No regrets, none whatsoever.”

While there was some interest from people looking to take on Poundbuster as it was while others looked to transform it into another business, such as an optician, plans submitted last month proposed turning the space into a one-bed house.

The application shows how the shop floor will be transformed into a living room and kitchen while the first floor will contain a bedroom, with space for a double bed, a bathroom and a study room.

Oldham Council approved the proposal earlier this week (October 24).

Having received no objections to the plans, a planning officer agreed the home sits in a "sustainable location" being near a bus route and approved the development.

The work must be completed within the next three years.

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