Oldham Council Planning Committee, on Wednesday 21 April, have deferred a decision on the proposed change of use to a hostel for the former Weavers Answer Public House, Milnrow Road Shaw in order for the developers to answer questions raised by a local resident  Suzanne Booth and councillor Chris Gloster at the meeting.

Issues raised related to the unsuitability of rooms with in the premises, inappropriate location of main entrance, lack of recreational facilities such as a residents lounge, arrangements for location and storage of waste and finally lack of information to reassure the community as to the intended ‘care’ element of the premises in order that the premises do not become an ‘unregulated doss house’ as described by the Chair of the Committee. 

Councillor Gloster said: “residents have a genuine fear that these premises could introduce crime and disorder into the community and seek reassurance from the developers that this will not be the case, and are simply asking that they are open and transparent with them as to what actions the developers will take if permission is granted to allay the residents fears.”  

The developers will be expected to return to the committee with the answers so the application can be properly considered.