AROUND 50 new homes could be built in Ramsbottom – despite protests from furious nearby residents.

Bury Council’s planning committee granted the Florence Nuttall Trust outline permission to develop land to the west of Manchester Road at a meeting on Tuesday.

Angry neighbours called the decision a “disgrace” and complained that the area is designated as protected open land and that any new housing estate would lead to traffic chaos in Ramsbottom.

Cllr Ian Bevan said: “I am very disappointed that Bury Council have given outline planning permission to build 50 houses on this green field site off Bury New Road.

“This Labour-run Council obviously want to prioritise house building over protecting our fields and meadows.”