A LARGE new housing estate is to be built on the site of a former textiles factory.

Bellway Homes has received final planning permission for 97 homes on the site of what used to be Andrew Textile Industries Ltd, in Walshaw Road, Bury.

The application site was a large factory building of 8,000 square metres which was in use until April 2019. The land is currently accessed from Walshaw Road via two entrances which lead to a car park.

Outline consent was granted in July 2019 for demolition of the existing building and the erection of up to 108 dwellings but final approval of more detailed plans was considered by Bury Council’s planning committee last week.

Matthew Shipman, for Bellway Home, said: "The principal of development has been established. It is a re-use of a previous site which has now become susceptible to trespass and provides mixed housing comprising two, three and four bedroom properties in keeping with the surrounding area. At least two parking spaces are provided per home with electric charging points.”

As a condition of approval Bellway must pay £79,000 for off-site ecological improvements and £275,000 for off-site recreation.

A planning report to councillors described the homes: "There would be detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings, which would be predominantly two storeys in height with some three storey and two storey dwellings with living accommodation in the roof space.

“The proposed dwellings would be constructed from red brick with a grey roof tile. Following the removal of the trees on site, a landscaping plan has been submitted showing hedgerows and trees. Pedestrian access to the bridleway between Leigh Lane and Moreton Drive would also be built.”

Eight letters of objection were received, including complaints about the proximity to existing homes.