COUNCILLORS agreed to update plans for new flats to help improve a “neglected area” of Prestwich.

Bury Council’s planning committee approved proposals to change vacant ground floor shops, in Chapel Road, into five two-bedroom properties.

But the decision was made only once new conditions had been added to the building plans, after the committee listened to a passionate speech from a member of the public about the deteriorating state of where she lived.

Barbara Bradley, a pensioner who lives at the back of the shops which are to be converted, said: “This estate is an absolute mess, there are always police around.

“It’s getting worse, it has deteriorated fast and furious.

“I think to change these shops into flats is a bit ridiculous.”

Mrs Bradley said she was particularly concerned about plans for parking spaces very close to her property.

She added: “People have children and we don’t want cars coming in and out all the time.”

Councillor O’Brien proposed to add the new conditions to the planning proposal before the committee approved them.

Mr O’Brien said he would like better lighting to be arranged in the area to make it safer, and for work to be done to make the area less of an eyesore.

He added: “It is not the nicest of areas and a bit neglected, I would welcome some landscaping work.”

David Marno, the council’s planning development manager, said the plans could be amended to include better lighting provision and landscaping designs.

He also said it was possible to alter parking plans so spaces would not be so close to Mrs Bradley’s house.

With these amended conditions, the proposal was then passed unanimously.