Butchers shop could be turned into ‘student accommodation’ HMO

A former butchers’ shop in Oldham could be turned into a ‘student accommodation’ HMO – but some neighbours are not convinced by the idea. 

Private developer Kelvin Jordan from Royton plans to turn the former site of Harrison’s Butchers, at 41 Ripponden Road in St James, into a four-bed house of multiple occupation.

Under new plans, the terraced building with a classic red-and-white shop-front would be transformed into a shared home – with four en-suite bedrooms and a community lounge, kitchen and dining area.

The proposal includes changes to the front window to improve the level of privacy for the new tenants. Mr Jordan’s plans would make use of a building that appears to have stood vacant for a number of years. 

The plans, currently under consideration by town planners, have already been opposed by five objectors on the council’s planning portal – including Councillor Josh Charters. 

The St James representative pointed out there are ‘no university-level institutions’ in the area or direct transport links to Manchester, ‘making it unsuitable for student accommodation’. The developer has refuted this. 

Coun Charters told the LDRS: “People need good homes, and I agree with most in Oldham who say that HMOs are not the answer. We need more family homes, not buildings chopped into single bedrooms which are wholly unsuitable for our homeless families. 

“Notwithstanding this, I believe there are issues with the application and have submitted my own objection and would encourage residents to have their say on what happens in their community.” 

Some also noted the lack of parking facilities and loss of business space for the local community. There were also concerns about introducing a ‘transient population’ into the area who may be more likely to partake in anti-social behaviour. 

Another objector wrote: “Oldham is not a student town, so property won’t be used by students. Next door is elderly couple living and if antisocial people will be located in this property it will affect old couple peaceful life [sic].” 

The area was recently subject to GMP’s Operation Vulcan, a crackdown on rampant gang crime that was blighting the area. The project also worked on raising a sense of community and trust in the police, which some fear will be jeopardised by the introduction of HMOs. 

Responding to the concerns raised by his application, Mr Jordan said: “My intention was to use the property as a house share or student accommodation. Oldham’s planning technical support advised me to change it to a house of multiple occupancy.

“I  resubmitted drawing as advised I have a large construction company that employs apprentices and others who attend Oldham College and who still live at home, so my intention was to use the property for some of the people I employ, including my son.

“Derker Tram station is in close proximity to my property, which is ideal transport links for commuting to Manchester City Centre With property rents being so high, there is a desperate need for low earning people to rent somewhere.”

The mood towards HMOs is generally sceptical in Oldham at this time, as the council works toward introducing tighter restrictions on licensing before January 1, 2026. Currently, HMOs with under six bedrooms don’t need to apply for licensing, though some do so voluntarily.