HUNDREDS have signed a petition attempting to force Bury Council to change plans for 400 new homes in Radcliffe.

An 'ambitious' masterplan to build 400 new homes at the site of the former East Lancashire Paper Mill was revealed last month — now residents are rallying oppose the development.

The petition, set up by Radcliffe resident Joseph Sloan, on change.org has been signed by 356 people.

Mr Sloan, aged 28, who lives in School Street and has lived in Radcliffe his whole life, said: "I set up this petition because I recently applied for my first mortgage with a company called Plumlife who have recently knocked down the Radcliffe Civic Center to build houses there.

"I noticed as a first time buyer, even with the support of a government backed shared ownership scheme, I would not be able to financially manage the house.

"I know how bad the roads are around Radcliffe, this is the traffic and even potholes in the road.

"Another 400 homes would also cause more strain on the roads in Radcliffe make traffic in and around Radcliffe much worse.

"As we know it is a commuter town and the desired plans would put pressure on the following routes around the town centre Spring Lane, Cross Lane, and Church Street."

Mr Sloan, whose father worked at the East Lancs Paper Mill for 25 years and served as the mill's union representative, is also sceptical about who the houses will go to and the availability of affordable homes.

He said: "I believe the houses would not even go to local residents.

"Their is no guarantee that the proposed 25 per cent of houses set aside for first time buyers from the local area would even be viable.

"If this petition is successful we could approach the local council with alternative solution.

"Everyone who lives and drives through Radcliffe will be affected."

Mr Sloan's concerns join many more raised by residents following a public consultation on the development plan on January 30.

More than 100 residents attended Radcliffe United Reformed Church to discuss worries including about flooding, drainage and changes to roads, and talk to representatives from Bury Council and Homes England.

Mr Sloan says he and other residents are also concerned about a lack of a secondary school in Radcliffe, and recent tram ticket price increases affecting children going to school.

Under current plans, alongside the new homes, open space fronting onto the River Irwell and new sports provisions will also be created at the brownfield site.

A full planning application for the homes is due to be submitted in early spring 2018.

To sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/bbc-radcliffe-does-not-need-400-more-houses?recruiter=853484627&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_for_starters_page