Restaurant approved for former shops in Oldham

Plans to turn two empty shops on Hollins Road into a restaurant have been approved by Oldham Council, despite objections from local residents. The ground floors of the former general store and barber shop will be converted into a dining space with 11 four-seater tables, along with a small rear extension, external staircase, and kitchen flue.

Neighbours raised concerns about parking, highway safety, refuse collection, and the impact on the area's character. However, planners noted that shops and restaurants fall into the same use class, meaning the change of use didn't require separate permission. The extension and external works still needed approval, which was granted.

The restaurant will have restricted opening hours from 11am to 11pm, seven days a week, and must install soundproofing between the dining area and the flat above. Environmental health officers have no objections provided conditions are met to control noise, odour, and vibration from the kitchen flue.

The council's highway engineer found the scheme compliant with local and national policies. The decision was made at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, April 9, bringing an end to months of uncertainty about the future of these long-vacant properties on Hollins Road.