RESIDENTS are furious that a popular Indian restaurant is to be turned into a housing estate.

Planning chiefs have approved plans to knock down Dil Se on Bury and Bolton Road, Radcliffe, and build 15 large houses.

Developers Limehurst Design say the project will save the restaurant from collapsing in the recession.

But objectors say the development will be noisy and disruptive and is not in keeping with existing housing in the area.

Andrew Hughson, of Hurst Green Close, called the decision a “narrow victory”.

Mr Hughson, aged 46, said: “Obviously the restaurant isn’t making money and needs to be redeveloped but if councillors actually bothered to visit the site they would see the number of proposed houses is way above what is suitable.

“Our bedrooms will be overlooked by third-storey bedrooms and there’s a lack of parking provision in the area which is already full.”

Bury Council received 13 letters of objection from residents, as well as a petition against the application containing 38 signatures.

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the council’s planning committee, Cllr Yvonne Wright, Cllr Jacqueline Harris, and Cllr Donal O’Hanlon described the proposals as an “over-development”. Architect Tim Stafford said the move will stop the site becoming “a race ground” for young drivers. He said: “The writing is on the wall when you see at least two licensed premises closing each week. If this died a death it would attract idiots using it as a race area. Now it has a purpose.”

The committee voted six-to-five in favour of building 14 three-bedroom semi-detached houses and one four-bedroom detached house.

Mr Stafford added: “It’s been a long haul, we knew it would be a struggle but I think when people sit down and think about it they will see that it’s a benefit to the area.”

The restaurant opened its doors in April 2006, replacing landmark pub The Jolly Carters, which closed in 2005.