An existing flat above a shop in Oldham is set to be transformed into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

A proposal submitted in January this year by Faruk Miah outlines transforming a three-bed flat on Chadderton Way into a four-bed HMO.

Blueprints of the plans show the building currently contains a retail shop on the ground floor and a three-bed flat, with a lounge and bathroom, on the first and second floor.

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The occupiers of the flat also have their own kitchen/diner on the ground floor at the back of the shop.

However, the plans outline extending an existing dormer to the rear of the property and removing a chimney to expand its use into a HMO to accommodate four people.

The plans stipulate scrapping the existing lounge on the first floor to create the fourth bedroom while the layout will also be redesigned to add two ensuites.

The existing family bathroom will also be divided into two separate shower rooms but the second floor will remain the same, containing the other two bedrooms.

Meanwhile, the ground floor will extend the shared kitchen and dining area at the back of the retail unit and include a small kitchenette and toilet for the shop.

The plans also come as its neighbouring building, Northmoor Library, is set to receive a makeover worth more than £168,000 from Arts Council England funding.

Assessing the HMO proposal, a planning officer for Oldham Council said the rooms will "only serve single bedrooms" and found the kitchen size, lighting from windows and its outdoor space for cycle storage, drying clothes and storing bins, fit for occupiers of the home.

However, while there is no proposal for off-road parking, the officer said the building has good public transport links and didn't attract any objections from the Highways Engineer.

The report also added that while there is not enough space to provide cycle storage, there are "some small cycle hoops" within the private yard if the tenants own a bicycle.

The officer added: "The proposed development will continue to provide existing residential use, albeit within a different set up offering individual rooms as opposed to a flat."

As a result, Oldham Council approved the plans on March 15 this year.

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