PROPOSALS to build close to 100 houses at the site of a former cotton mill in Royton are set to be given the go-ahead despite a number of objections from residents.
Buildings at the former Vernon Works site, including a five storey mill and warehousing facilities, on land off Radcliffe Street are being demolished as part of an approved application.
In its place, Kellen Homes plan to build 99 homes, 50 per cent available for affordable housing, and its proposals will be decided by the council's planning committee next week.
After the housebuilder's application was submitted, 26 objections were made along with a letter of support.
DEVELOPMENT: The Vernon Works site
VISION: How some of the homes could look
One said: "The crossroads at Milton Street and Radcliffe Street is already a busy junction where many accidents have occurred and with the increased traffic will be more dangerous, especially now that Royton Park is more popular with the recent improvements."
Among the other representations, residents on Thorndale Close say they have "access issues" due to the Royton After School Care Association and it is "considered this development will exacerbate the problem".
PROPOSED: How some of the houses may look
LAYOUT: Blueprints for the plans
Another objection said "Radcliffe Street is not suitable to serve the access of the development as it’s not even wide enough for the traffic that currently uses it" while it was argued that as residents on the road have no off street parking, there would be less space to park there.
Increased pollution due to an increase in cars was also a concern that was raised.
But in a planning report, the council said it a highway engineer "does not anticipate that there will be any adverse or significant increase in traffic generation or any additional demand for on street parking to the detriment of highway safety".
The report added: "Moreover, they have worked with the applicant/agent to ensure that there are good pedestrian links along Radcliffe Street, with adequate parking provision and an internal layout which is acceptable to the local highway authority."
The report concluded it is recommended the planning committee grants permission, subject to a number of conditions and a section 106 agreement of a £140,000 contribution from the applicant towards open space improvements.
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