A DISABLED pensioner who has parked outside his home for 16 years said his space has been "taken away" as a housing development takes shape next door.

A total of eight houses are currently being built to the side of Geoffrey Dickinson's property on an area of land previously occupied by garages.

A new one-way access system, which passes in front of Mr Dickinson's home in Mayfair Avenue, has been proposed for the redevelopment.

But the scheme would mean that the Blue Badge holder's parking space would be lost.

Bury Council said that parked cars would not be allowed to obstruct the access road but they are looking to create a new disabled parking space for Mr Dickinson "closer to his home".

Resident Mr Dickinson, aged 70, said: "We have an ongoing problem in Mayfair Avenue.

"I have parked in front of my house for 16 years.

"They have taken away my parking spot because of health and safety and are not giving me one back.

"There are parking bays for six cars nearby but there is only one disabled spot on it that is used by another resident.

"I have no problem with the building. It is better than the ground being derelict.

"But I have no where else to park."

An application was submitted by Six Town Housing in March 2016 to redevelop two vacant garage sites into eight two-bedroom houses.

While building work is ongoing at the site, Mr Dickinson said he has been moving his car at 7.30am every morning to allow trucks and HGVs access.

Mr Dickinson said: "Initially, Bury Council told me I would be given a driveway at the side of my house. I would need to come out of the side door, get in the car and then join onto the access road which would be fine.

"But now they have changed their minds again."

Bury Council said they were "sympathetic" to Mr Dickinson's request for a disabled car parking space closer to his home.

A council spokesman said: "The council is currently redeveloping two former garage colony sites at Mayfair Avenue for eight houses.

"The houses are for shared ownership, set within a private central courtyard.

"The access points into the courtyards can no longer be obstructed by parked cars, which has resulted in Mr Dickinson having to park his car further way from his home, on the highway.

"The council is sympathetic to Mr Dickinson’s request for a disabled car parking space closer to his home. We have been exploring the best means of facilitating a parking space for him and a potential solution may have been found, subject to any necessary planning approval.

"The council has been fully liaising with Mr Dickinson and we are keeping him informed."