CAMPAIGNERS are planning a legal challenge after a controversial decision to convert a pub into a training centre.

Adullam Homes Housing Association permission got permission from Bury planning committee on April 19 to change the use of the Masons Arms pub in Walmersley Old Road, Walmersley.

Staff will help vulnerable people get help with housing, education and claiming benefits.

The application was tabled on February 4 but Bury Council did not publish a key document until February 29 — four days before the consultation ended.

The document describes how it would be inappropriate for ex-offenders to visit Adullam Homes Bury town centre base because "a risk would be posed to service users and the general public".

It suggests ex-offenders might be tempted to shoplift or be led astray by undesirable individuals and "undermine their efforts to change their lives".

People living near the pub claim they were unaware of the proposed use of the building until after the committee made the decision.

Campaigners have since held three meetings to discuss the matter, both at the Lord Raglan pub in Walmersley Old Road, Nangreaves and more than 100 people attended the latest one on Tuesday.

Neighbour Ian Pickup asked Bury Council to re-run the planning application process, but it refused so now campaigners are asking for a judicial review of the decision.

"The document contained crucial information and arrived too late," said Mr Pickup.

He added: "We need to ensure that everybody is kept safe and it is important that the decision-making process consider the health and safety of everyone involved."

North Manor Cllr James Daly, who attended Tuesday's meeting, said: "It disappoints me that Bury Council planning department failed to disclose all the facts of the application that they were aware of in an open and transparent manner.

"Why were local people not told of the exact nature of the work that will be carried out there?"

A Bury Council said: "The application was consulted upon and nothing changed in terms of the proposals throughout the life of the application.

"All of the documentation published was in the public domain and nothing new in planning terms was added to the application.

"The application was duly determined appropriately."

Campaigners now have a Facebook group called Masons Planning Appeal.

An Adullam Homes spokesman said: “The principle use for this building will be as the company's regional head office.

“Adullam has a fantastic track record, over more than 40 years as an organisation and 20 years in Bury, of delivering support to individuals from the local community."

In the Bury Times two weeks ago, we incorrectly described the Masons Arms as a "former" pub.

The error was made because Bury Council's website contained an inaccuracy.