A fresh bid has been made to turn a former pub in Bury into new homes, after earlier plans for a large house in multiple occupation (HMO) drew dozens of objections from neighbours.

The Rose and Crown, on Manchester Old Road in Bury, was previously the subject of proposals to convert it into a 12-bed HMO. However, 43 objections were lodged by local residents, and the scheme was ultimately dropped.

Now, applicant Omair Akram has submitted a new application to transform the building into four self-contained flats. According to planning documents, two of the flats would be designed for single occupancy, while the other two would each accommodate two residents. The scheme again includes no provision for off-street parking.

External amenity space would be provided at the rear of the property. In his application, Mr Akram argues that the development would remove the 'unsightly appearance' of the derelict building and provide 'much needed housing'. He adds that it will 'improve the appearance of both the site and the street scene'.

The former pub has been vacant for some time, and its condition has been a concern for locals. The new proposal aims to address this while contributing to housing supply in the area.

While the Rose and Crown is located in Bury, the issue resonates with communities across Greater Manchester, including Oldham. Similar controversies have arisen in Oldham, where proposals to convert pubs into HMOs or flats have often sparked debate over parking, density, and the loss of character.

In Oldham, residents on roads like Manchester Street and High Street have faced similar situations, with developers seeking to repurpose empty properties. The outcome of the Bury application may influence how such cases are handled regionally.

The application will be considered by Bury Council in due course. Local residents will have the opportunity to comment during the consultation period, with the council expected to balance the benefits of the development against any potential impact on the neighbourhood.

Mr Akram's application reflects a broader trend of former pubs being converted for residential use across Greater Manchester. For Oldham readers, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing changes to the local landscape and the importance of community involvement in planning decisions.