ONE OF Ashton-under-Lyne’s most familiar venues would be turned into a 15-bedroomed house of multiple occupation (HMO) if planning permission is granted.
But already, concerns have been raised over the scale of the plan for the Angel Hotel.
Reading-based Suraj Majevadia has applied to Tameside Council to convert the Old Street building, which borders an area highlighted in phase two of proposed public realm works.
Under the scheme, aimed at professionals, six bedrooms with en suite facilities would be housed on the ground floor, six on the first floor and three in the roof space, with its ridge height being increased and dormers being put in place.
Documents supporting the application state: “The applicant wishes to bring the property back to life through sensitive repairs and new extensions that fulfil the potential of the property that can then be re-purposed and provide a new character to the area.
“Special attention has been made to ensure that each bedroom pass es the council’s HMO guideline while providing spaces which aim at professionals.
“This will breathe new life into the existing property while respecting the existing property. Each bedroom will have its own en suite with a large shared communal space on the ground and first floor. “The proposal will improve the living conditions of the people inside. A sympathetic approach will be made for the materials of the extension and dormer.
“As the property is a corner landmark, there is an argument to increase the ridge height to match the neighbouring property so that it unifies the block that faces St Michaels Square.
“The proposal will have a waste store which will be accessed via the rear of the property. There is enough space to allow for separation and storage of recycling as per the council’s standard.
“The council would like to transform the properties in the conservation town centre into a vibrant mixed-use development that acknowledges and celebrates heritage.
“The property is currently in poor condition and has been used for illegal activities in the past which has had a huge negative impact on the property over the years.
“The new owner and proposed development would greatly improve the quality of the conservation area boundary.”
However, concerns have been raised from two of Tameside Council’s departments.
Housing standards officer Lisa Brierley said: “Having looked at this one, it would be a 15-person HMO, then two kitchens are sufficient.
“However, the layouts would need careful consideration, one would be for eight and one would be for seven, each kitchen would require two sinks, two hobs, two ovens.
“They should have a layout whereby one oven, one sink, one hob should be situated on one side and the others on the opposite side, so as to prevent too many people congregating and trying to cook on one side of the kitchen area.”
Environmental services manager Shamshed Ali added: “I can only see a room that states bin store showing two large bins and no other information.
“As this is an HMO, they are only entitled to one set of bins. This would not be sufficient for a 15-bed HMO, they must have a trade waste contract in place.”
Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning committee will decide whether to grant or refuse planning permission.