Former health centre could be turned into 20-bed HMO despite fears it could ‘kill the town’

A former health centre in Oldham could be turned into a 20-bed HMO despite a major public backlash.

Developers Safina Ghaus and Mehtab Shaukat have submitted plans to transform the former Crompton Health Centre in Shaw into ‘safe, secure, and welcoming’ shared accommodation. 

The building on Shaw High Street has stood vacant since the building was found to be ‘unfit’ for a medical practice and GPs moved to the new Shaw and Crompton Health Centre on Westway. But plans to turn the property into a HMO, a type of shared housing where numerous unrelated tenants live together and often share amenities, have angered locals.

A previous application to convert the former centre into a 22-bed property sparked a local protest after residents claimed the area was being ‘flooded’ by HMOs. Locals claim he town’s former community assets like banks and health centres are gradually being replaced by shared housing, which they fear will cause issues with parking, oversubscribed amenities and anti-social behaviour. 

The plans were rejected by town planners, who feared they would result in ‘substandard living conditions’ due to the lack of windows for natural light and ventilation, and ‘insufficient’ kitchen facilities.

New plans now show 20 slightly bigger rooms, with their own bed space, toilet/shower unit and small kitchen. Each room now has an external window. There is also a communal area, an office, a meeting room, laundry facilities and a separate bathroom in the central part of the building. 
The existing car park will remain and become resident’s parking. 

Planning consultants Chorlton Planning noted in a statement: “The reason for refusal centred on deficiencies in the design of the internal layout resulting in sub-standard living conditions for future residents. The principle of the change of use was accepted.”

The developers promised to deliver ‘exceptional management’ with CCTV and a concierge service.  

Ghaus and Shaukat said: “This development will serve as an example of effective, professional НМО management, making a positive contribution to the local community, economy and housing provision in Oldham.” 

The new plans have courted criticism from locals, with almost 30 comments on the planning application and heated discussions on social media. 

One objector worried the plans would ‘kill what’s left of the town centre’ and claimed it was a ‘bad choice for Shaw’. They added: “What I would love to see is investment in shaw and not having more HMOs to line greedy pockets!”

Others raised concerns of the impact on the neighbouring residential care home and strain on local amenities such as doctors and dentists.