RESIDENTS have vowed that the fight is not over after outline permission was granted for 50 homes off Bury New Road.

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

Despite the permission, neighbours, who set up an online action group and petition, against the plans are going to continue to fight.

Alistair Scott, who set up No to Bury Road Development group, said: “We are really disappointed with the majority of the councillors.

“They seem quite happy to disregard protected open space. It is a green field site and it is worrying for the whole area that that is the attitude because I am sure that there will be many more applications to develop on green areas.

“It is so disappointing as there are other brownfield sites that are available.”

Although the applicant has not confirmed an exact number of homes and layout for the site it is expected that it will be around 50.

One of the main concerns for the residents is access to the new development which would be via an existing track between 77 and 79 Bury New Road.

Mr Scott said: “The fight is not over. If it was three mansions that were built on there then we would not have as much of a problem with it as there would be barely any cars but the 50 that are planned that is just too much.

“It will be a serious problem if that is the case.

“Now all we can do is wait and see what happens, it is hard to say what the next step will be because the developer has to come back and respond to our objections on a number of things like flooding and access.”

The residents were not the only people who were not happy with the decision.

Cllr Ian Bevan had been supporting the group and spoke against the application at the planning meeting.

Speaking after the decision he said: “I am very disappointed that Bury Council has given outline planning permission.

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

“I remain strongly opposed to this and would rather see housing on brownfield land first.

“I will continue to work hand in hand with the residents to stop this going ahead.”

To join in with the residents’ campaign view their page on Facebook, No to Bury Development on Other Protected Land.