ARCHITECTS behind plans to build homes at the site of a dilapidated pub in Ainsworth have released an artist's impression of how the site will look once the development is completed.

The former Red Bridge Inn, located in Bury Old Road, will be transformed into new properties after Bury Council's planning committee endorsed the development in an area of green belt.

Called 'The Hamlet', it will consist of 10 new build apartments, constructed by Saviour Homes using local stone,in line with surrounding houses. In addition, the developers are contributing £30,000 towards enhancing a play area at Bradley Fold.

Lead architect Reid Lewis, from the Bury-based Ratcliffe Groves Partnership, said: "We’re delighted that the planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme. It’s an example of development that can be done in an area of green belt that will enhance and protect it."

The apartments will be marketed exclusively by Hannon Holmes Limited, Sales & Lettings and are due to be available for reservation from spring 2016.

No formal objections were made against the plans to convert the once-popular pub, which closed in 2011. The building had been vacant for around three years and had become dilapidated, while the rest of the site had similarly been left derelict and subject to vandalism.

A report to the committee had stated: "The proposed redevelopment of the site would regenerate a disused, redundant building land. The conversion of the public house to residential, together with external improvements and maintenance of the building, would bring back into use a derelict and dilapidated building which would bring considerable benefits to the visual amenity of the area.

"Also, it is viewed that the character of the new build is appropriate to the green belt as many sympathetic details have been introduced to give the building the look of a mill conversion from the west/east or a rural cottage from the north/south."