Former health centre could be turned into HMO with 22 rooms

The former Crompton Health Centre. Image courtesy of Google Maps

A former health centre in Shaw could be turned into a 22-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO), if plans submitted to Oldham Council are approved.

Developers Safina Ghaus and Mehtab Shaukat intend to turn the vacant Crompton Health Centre on High Street into an ‘exceptional’ and ‘safe’ housing complex. 

GPs from Oak Gables Partnership and Village Medical Practice vacated the single-storey building last year to move to the newly-built Shaw and Crompton Medical Centre on Westway.

At the time the old structure was considered ‘unfit for purpose’ for clinical use. 

Now the 8,373 sq ft building, which comes with a car park, could find a new lease of life as housing provision.

Ghaus and Shaukat submitted a ‘Change of Use’ application, which proposes transforming the site into 22 self-contained units including bed space, toilet and showers and a small kitchen.

The complex would also include a larger, communal kitchen, an office and meeting room, laundry facilities, a separate toilet and bathroom unit and a communal lounge area. 

In a statement included in the application, the developers said: “With extensive experience in managing similar housing schemes, we will ensure this development is maintained at the highest standards, providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all residents.” 

They added ‘security will be a top priority’, with 24/7 CCTV inside and outside the premises, controlled access and a full-time concierge. 

Ghaus and Shaukat promised the HMO would make a ‘positive contribution’ to the local community and added: “By working closely with local authorities, support services and community organisations, I will ensure that the needs of all residents are met, helping them to sustain their tenancies and thrive in this high-quality housing environment.” 

Ms Shaukat, who is a manager at Carepoint HC in Nelson, previously received planning permission to turn former Shaw pub the Weaver’s Answer into emergency accommodation for those struck by homelessness.

The application has already received several objections from neighbours, who complain there are ‘too many HMOs in Shaw already’. 

One objector wrote: “A 20 bedroom [HMO] is too much.

"The town is already in decline - we need more shops, restaurants, youth centres and things that will benefit the community.”

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