HMO planning application receives more than 100 objections
Over 100 objections have been raised against plans to convert the former Crompton Health Centre in Shaw into a 22-bed HMO, with concerns about overdevelopment, strain on infrastructure, and loss of community amenities. Developers promise high-quality, secure housing with extensive management.
160 Residents Object to Former GP Surgery Conversion into 22-Bed Housing Complex
Plans to transform the vacant Crompton Health Centre on High Street into a 22-bed house of multiple occupation have sparked fierce opposition from Shaw residents, with 160 objections flooding Oldham Council within days of the application being listed.
The former GP surgery has stood empty since Oak Gables Partnership and Village Medical Practice relocated to the new Shaw and Crompton Medical Centre on Westway last summer. Now developers Safina Ghaus and Mehtab Shaukat propose converting the building into self-contained units, each featuring a bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette, alongside communal facilities including a larger kitchen, laundry, lounge, and meeting room.
The developers’ planning statement promises “exceptional” housing that would be “safe, secure and welcoming, and maintained at the highest standards,” featuring extensive CCTV coverage, a concierge service, and electronic gate system. However, local residents have condemned the proposals as “an appalling use of land,” arguing that Shaw already has too many HMOs.
“We had a lovely little town and all what’s happening to it is very distressing and upsetting. Why is Shaw losing amenities and getting a load of housing!” wrote one objector. Another resident warned: “The old health centre is opposite the war memorial… Having an HMO opposite would be detrimental to the peacefulness of the war memorial.”
Objectors cite strain on already oversubscribed local GPs and dentists, traffic concerns, and fears of increased anti-social behaviour. Many argue the building should serve “the public good” as a youth or community centre for a town that “has little else.”
While three neighbours support the development, claiming it would help vulnerable residents and prevent the building becoming derelict, Shaw and Crompton Town Council has called a public meeting for 6.30pm on March 25 to discuss the application before Oldham’s planning committee considers the proposals.
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