AN 'eyesore' is to be cleaned up as the old Cussons soap factory is transformed into a housing estate of more than 100 homes ­— with 40 per cent classed as affordable homes.

Cube Great Places Housing Association put forward proposals to develop land at Kersal Vale, Prestwich ­— on the border of Salford.

The former Cussons factory was demolished in 2010 and the site has been largely cleared of buildings, with remnants of the previous use, hardstanding and a mill lodge, still visible across the site.

Plans given the green light are for the building of 109 homes ­— including 74 two-storey detached and semi-detached houses and 22 terraced houses arranged along a new road running

parallel to Kersal Vale Road. There would also be a three storey block of apartments.

Ellie Philcox, planning consultant said: "Great Places is one of the leading developing housing association in the North West and based in Manchester

"This development is to be delivered by Great Places alongside Cube homes, which is the private sector arm of Great Places Housing Assocation

"It was set up to develop high quality homes for market sale and private rent the profit of which is given back to the Great Places Housing Group each year for the vision of more affordable housing

"This development will be a mix of homes for open market sale as well as 40 per cent on side affordable provision, which is over and above the planning policy requirement."

The development will be a mix of houses, apartments for affordable shared ownership and rent.

Work is earmarked to start in 2020.