AN EMPTY property, last used as a construction firm’s offices, could be turned into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) for as many as 26 people.
But developers insist what they want to do at the Mossley Road, Ashton building will offer a ‘high-quality living environment.’
Altrincham-based RA Project 2X wants to convert the site, at the junction of Caroline Street, into 13 units, which would each occupy two people.
Six would be on the ground floor, five on the first floor and two in the loft space, with a utility and communal kitchen/dining area in the basement.
Each would have en suite bathrooms and 14 cycle storage spaces will be provided in the yard to the rear.
And documents supporting the application insist it will make a positive contribution.
They state: “It is considered that a high quality living environment will be created for all future occupiers.
“The application represents a sustainable re-use of an accessible, previously developed site in accordance with national and local policy.
“The site is vacant and currently unable to make any meaningful contribution towards the borough’s industrial or employment floorspace requirements.
“Our view is that the proposed change of use will not adversely impact upon the wider land supply within Tameside, particularly given the provision of office floorspace within the nearby town centre.
“Consequently, the change of use of the vacant floorspace to a large HMO would have no adverse impact upon local employment generation.
“The site is situated within a highly accessible location close to the town centre.
“Both national and local policy advocate the delivery of new residential floorspace in sustainable locations such as these given the overwhelmingly positive contribution that residents will make to the ongoing vitality and viability of the town centre.
“Accordingly, the proposed development will support local shops, services and infrastructure.”
Concerns having up to 26 people in the same building will mean the area will be far busier have also been addressed.
A covering letter to Tameside Council adds: “There will be no discernible change in terms of general comings and goings from residents when compared to the existing office use of the site.
“All habitable rooms will be served by generous levels of sunlight/daylight. Every effort has been made to ensure the highest level of residential amenity is provided to all future occupiers.
“As such every bedroom has been designed to take account of Nationally Described Floorspace Standards in order to deliver a high quality living environment.
“Additionally, one kitchen, two separate communal living areas and a utility room have been incorporated into the scheme over two floors to provide ample space for occupiers to socialise and prepare meals outside the confines of their private rooms.
“Notably, the site benefits from a GMAL (Greater Manchester Accessibility Level) of seven due to its close proximity to the Crickets Lane and Tameside College Bus Stops as well as Ashton-Under-Lyne Railway Station, which provides both tram connections around Greater Manchester and National Rail services.
“Accordingly, the site is considered to be positioned within a highly sustainable location.”
Tameside Council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.