A NEW apartment block could be built on the site of Radcliffe's former Royal British Legion club.

Bury Council's planning office is currently considering plans to erect 19 flats on the vacant land in Water Street, next to the Rose Court Care Home.

The Radcliffe branch of the Royal British Legion, which has now folded, was forced to leave the building in 2006 due to dwindling membership and finances. The empty building was later destroyed by a fire.

In a statement submitted with the plans, developers Architectural Solutions Ltd said: "The new development of apartments are set back from the back of footpath with parking spaces to the front and side of the properties the massing and proposed heights of the development providing the correct visual prominence within the street scene, the degree of privacy for future occupiers of the development has been considered.

"The set back also allows the introduction of further landscaping to site frontage.

"The form, scale and massing of the development will respect the local vernacular, offer a strong architectural statement at the intersection of Water

Street and Knowles Street and the architectural design to the street frontage will improve the urban grain of the area."

They added: "The proposals will enhance the surrounding area by replacing the outdated public house and vacant site, bringing the empty site back into use and add to the local community."

Planning officers had set a target date of March 11 to make a decision on the plans, but have not yet announced whether the application has been approved.

Local residents and business owners consulted on the plans have voiced their support for the scheme.

Barbara Lewis, of Water Street, said: "I have been a hairdresser in Radcliffe for 48 years, the area is in desperate need of a face lift and this will be a step in the right direction, also generating local business."

Neighbour Stephen Irving added: "As a shop owner and trader for over 30 years in Radcliffe, I can see the benefits this development will bring. Much-needed homes for the area, more trade for the local shopkeepers and the development sits in well with its surroundings. Another piece in the jigsaw of the Radcliffe renewal scheme."