THE first images of 40 new affordable homes set to be built on the site of Radcliffe Civic Suite have been revealed.

It was announced in October that the civic centre would be closing in April and demolished to make way for the multi-million pound development, organised in partnership with Bury council and Great Places Housing Association.

A public consultation into a new £10 million replacement leisure and entertainment venue, to be built on the site of the former swimming pool in Green Street within the next three years, ended last month.

A formal planning application has now been submitted for the housing scheme, which currently allows for 16 two-bedroom properties and 24 three-bedroom houses, available for both shared ownership and rented accommodation.

There is a new road planned into the site from Thomas Street to service some of the new homes and pedestrian access will be maintained from New Church Street. The site is scheduled to be completed by March 2018.

A statement from Great Places said: “We have a track record of investment and regeneration work in Bury and successful partnership projects with Bury Council.“Homes for affordable rent will be allocated to tenants in partnership with the council and Great Places will be working closely with Bury Council to develop a nominations agreement and lettings policy for the allocation of the affordable homes. A large demand has been identified for two and three bedroom properties in the area.”

The plans have had one formal objection so far, from town centre business leader Eugene O’Donnell.

He said: “There really is little point in objecting to this as I like many others believe it a fait accompli. But as a local business owner, I want to make it clear that town centre businesses will not be prepared to suffer long term disruption to our trading. Bear in mind we have suffered a year of impeded trading due to United Utilities activities on Church Street, which we were unable to claim compensation for. As such I would expect the council to ensure the traffic disruption and parking access in and around the site is kept to an absolute minimum.”

Consultation with neighbours will take place until February 5, with the a council decision due April 5. council aiming to make a decision on the plans by April 5.