Plans to turn a former hotel in Denshaw into a residential institution have sparked concern from neighbours. Saddleworth Holdings Ltd has submitted an application to Oldham Council for Clough Manor, most recently known as the W.Apart Hotel on Rochdale Road, to be used as a "C2" residential institution – a classification that covers care homes, nursing homes, boarding schools and similar facilities.

The proposal involves converting the building into 16 self-contained accommodation units. While each unit will have its own private bathroom, the plans show there will be fewer kitchens than bedrooms, with limited references to private cooking or dining areas. The applicant says the development is intended to support independent living within a managed environment, with on-site management, controlled access and safeguarding for residents.

In planning documents, the company argues that the existing building is well suited to the change of use. They state that the proposal "provides appropriate residential accommodation within an existing building that offers a high standard of living environment" and that the layout "has been designed to support independent occupation within a managed building environment."

The application has already drawn opposition from local residents, with concerns about the nature of the use and its impact on the local area. Denshaw is a residential village in the Saddleworth area of Oldham, and neighbours fear the change could bring issues with noise, traffic and the character of the neighbourhood.

Part of the ground floor of Clough Manor is not included in the latest application, but the applicant’s paperwork concludes that "the proposal therefore represents an appropriate and sustainable reuse of the existing building." Oldham Council’s planning officers or the planning committee will decide whether to grant permission.

The application is the latest in a series of proposals for the building. In recent months, plans have been put forward for a convenience store and coffee shop, and for the conversion of the hotel’s kitchen into eight apartments, both of which have also generated local debate. However, the current submission focuses squarely on the residential institution use.