Derelict former nursery set to be converted into HMO after application approved

The derelict Alphabet House nursery on Henshaw Street is set to be transformed into a 9-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) after Oldham Council approved the planning application.

The building has stood empty for several years since the nursery closed, but the new plans will bring it back into use as shared housing for multiple tenants.

The ground floor will be kept for employment use, while the upper floors will feature nine bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, plus shared kitchen, dining area and living room.

Planning officers concluded the HMO would not harm the character of the predominantly residential area near Oldham town centre, and parking was not considered an issue due to an adjoining car park.

The approval means work can now begin to convert the long-vacant building into much-needed housing, though neighbours will be watching to see how the shared accommodation operates once occupied.