A DEVELOPER says he hopes to equip more than a dozen new homes with the “most up-to-date” technology possible.

Mark Wraeg has applied to build 14 new timber-framed houses on land next to Station Close, in Radcliffe.

Permission already exists for 11 properties at the site, but the new application seeks the go-ahead to build five three-bedroom properties and nine-four bedroom properties on the land.

And Mr Wraeg says he wants to fit the homes with as much technology as the project’s budget will allow, including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and internal hubs that will enable future occupants to control central heating and other devices remotely.

He said: “We’re not a massive housebuilder where they know down to every last light switch what’s going in and there’s no modern technology

“We want to stand out from every national builder that provides the bare minimum and if that’s a benefit to the community, so be it.

“Within reason I intend to make them as up-to-date as feasibly possible given the budget — bearing in mind it’s not a million pound area.

“The houses will be priced at around £230,000-£240,000, so there’s not a lot of ‘wriggle room’ , but whatever there is I will endeavour to make the best use of technology within the build.”

And Mr Wraeg also believes that bringing an “acre of derelict brownfield land” into use will be an advantage to the community.

“A lot of work goes into getting a brownfield site up to scratch — it’s got to improve the area,” he said.

Radcliffe North ward councillor Paul Cropper said that “on the whole” he welcomed the plans but

added: “Housing is a good thing, but have we got the infrastructure for the people that buy these new dwellings? We need to the schools, roads and leisure facilities so people can not only live in the town but but do things in the town as well. I do think people in Radcliffe feel left behind a little bit.”