HMO planning application receives more than 100 objections

More than 100 people have objected to plans to convert a former GP office in Shaw into a 22-bed housing complex.

An application to turn Crompton Health Centre on High Street into a HMO has received 160 objections within days of being listed.

The building has been empty since Oak Gables Partnership and Village Medical Practice moved to the newly-built Shaw and Crompton Medical Centre on Westway last summer.

Now developers Safina Ghaus and Mehtab Shaukat intend to turn the site into ‘exceptional’ and ‘safe’ housing.

Plans submitted to Oldham council show 22 self-contained units, each with a bed, their own toilet and shower and a kitchenette area.

The plans would involve installing new dividing walls and a number of new rooflights so each room has access to daylight. 

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

The developers promised in a planning statement the housing scheme would be ‘safe, secure and welcoming, and maintained at the highest standards’.

This includes extensive CCTV coverage, a concierge and electronic gate system. 

But people living close to the property, in Shaw, blasted the plans as an ‘appalling use of land’ with many complaining ‘too many HMOs’ are being built in the town.

A number of residents suggested the former health centre ought to be used ‘for the public good’ and converted into a youth or community centre for Shaw ‘which has little else’. 

One objector wrote: “We had a lovely little town and all what’s happening to it is very distressing and upsetting.

"Why is Shaw losing amenities and getting a load of housing!” 

Another worried neighbour said: “The old health centre is opposite the war memorial… Having an HMO opposite would be detrimental to the peacefulness of the war memorial.”

Further objections cited a ‘strain on local infrastructure’ with GPs and dentists in the area already oversubscribed, traffic issues and fears about increased anti-social behaviour. 

Meanwhile, three neighbours commented in favour of the development, arguing that it would ‘help the vulnerable’ in the community, ‘make use of a vacant building that would otherwise become derelict’ and ‘provide more housing’. 

In a statement, the developers said: “We are committed to delivering exceptional management for the proposed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at the former site of the Crompton Health Centre in Oldham. 

“The premises will be of outstanding quality, with careful attention to detail in both design and operation.

"An on-site office will be established to provide a concierge service, ensuring effective day-to-day management and offering residents direct access to support and assistance.

"This will enable swift resolution of any issues while fostering a strong sense of community within the property.

“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.

“The development will serve as an example of effective, professional HMO management, making a positive contribution to the local community, economy and housing provision in Oldham.”

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 planning application is set to be discussed by Oldham’s planning committee.

Shaw and Crompton Town Council have also called a meeting at 6.30pm on March 25 to discuss the application.

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