The Oldham Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to discuss planning applications and related matters. The agenda included consideration of a change of use for the former Crompton Health Centre, the erection of a two-storey building with a prayer hall and community hall, and a variation to the approved plans for Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre. The committee was also scheduled to review an update on planning appeals.

Former Crompton Health Centre

A planning application was submitted for a change of use at the former Crompton Health Centre, located on High Street, Shaw. The applicant, Stephen Gill, sought permission to convert the vacant health centre (Use Class E¹) into a 20-unit House in Multiple Occupation (HMO²) (Sui Generis³). This was a resubmission of a previously refused application, FUL/354098/25, which proposed 22 HMO units.

The report pack noted that the application was being referred to the Planning Committee at the request of the Assistant Director Planning, Transport & Housing Delivery due to a high level of concern in the local community.

The proposed development included minor external alterations, such as changes to the window and door configuration. The proposed schedule of accommodation included:

Flat No.	SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION Area (sqm)
123456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	28.5 26 16.5 19.5 16.5 25 20 20 19.5 19.5 20.5 23 20 19.5 19.5 20 26 24 31.5 15
NB: All new rooflights are to be openable for natural ventilation
Corridors 76.5sqm	Communal Areas 184.5sqm

Following a review, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and Environmental Health raised concerns about whether the development met the legal definition of an HMO, as set out in the Housing Act 2004. Amended plans were submitted, introducing two shared kitchen areas in addition to the communal recreational space.

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council recommended refusal of the application, citing concerns such as overdevelopment, impact on local character, noise and disturbance, safety and fear of crime, and loss of business infrastructure. Councillor Sykes, ward councillor for Shaw, also objected to the development, raising concerns about the number of occupants, lack of parking, impact on traffic and highway safety, and loss of a valued community facility.

132 individual representations were received, with 131 objecting to the development and 1 supporting it. A petition with over 100 signatures was also submitted.

The report pack stated that the proposal would bring a vacant, previously developed site back into active use, contributing to local housing needs through the provision of HMO accommodation. It also stated that the site's former use as a health centre has ceased, and the service has been re-provided in nearby modern facilities.

The report recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions, including that the development must be begun no later than three years from the date of permission, that a scheme to soundproof the walls between the residential units be submitted, and that a scheme for the provision of secure cycle parking and bin storage be submitted.

Compass House, Neville Street, Oldham

The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the erection of a two-storey building at Compass House, Neville Street, Oldham. The proposal, submitted by Juhel, was for a ground floor prayer hall (F1(f)⁴) and a first floor community hall (F2b[^6]).

The site is currently enclosed by security fencing and contains a concrete pad and steel structures, which were installed following the granting of planning permission for the demolition of an annex building and erection of a prayer hall in 2020. However, that planning permission has now lapsed.

The proposed building would be rectangular in shape and create 1144sqm of floorspace. It would incorporate a flat roof design with parapet wall surround, which would keep down the overall height of the building to approximately 8.6m.

51 support comments and 26 objection comments were received. Objectors raised concerns about traffic and parking, residential amenity, and community impact. Supporters said that the building would provide an inclusive space serving Muslims and non-Muslims, with dedicated female areas and youth facilities, and that it would promote unity, understanding, and mutual support.

The Highway Engineer raised no objection, subject to a cycle storage condition. Greater Manchester Ecology Unit advised that the application is not subject to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), but that planning policy supports biodiversity enhancements. The Mining Remediation Authority withdrew its objection, subject to the imposition of conditions relating to intrusive site investigation and remediation, and post-remediation declaration. Environmental Health raised no objection, subject to conditions addressing contamination, landfill gas investigation, noise from building and plant, restricted hours of use, and call to prayer noise control.

The report pack stated that the application was considered acceptable in principle, since the proposed use would bring benefits to the local community, and provide a centre for residents on a brownfield site.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider a variation of condition 2 (approved plans) for the installation of a new staircase and raised platform, sliding door entrance, and relocation of street furniture to the Parliament Square frontage of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, High Street, Oldham. The applicant was Oldham Council.

The application relates to the south-eastern corner of the recently redeveloped Spindles where it fronts onto Parliament Square. This area of the building will comprise the food & beverage market with access to the events space above.

The amendment comprises the installation of a 6.2m wide staircase with handrails and balustrades and an extended raised platform connecting with the existing platform entrance to the market area at the northern end of the frontage. A new doorway with direct access to the building will be provided from the platform via an automatic sliding entrance door. In addition, the amendment will include changes to the design and siting of the adjacent planters, benches, cycle stands and lampposts.

No representations were received. The Highway Engineer raised no objection.

The report pack stated that the proposal relates to a change in a small part of the overall redevelopment of an important and prominent site within the Town Centre which will ensure benefits in reinvigoration of the existing retail core, indoor market, and nighttime economy.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

Appeals Update

The Planning Committee was scheduled to receive an update on planning appeals. The report included a list of appeals submitted and decisions taken on appeals.