PLANS to build 14 new homes in both Royton and Failsworth have been approved.

Two schemes by Lancet Homes were given the green light by councillors at a planning meeting on Wednesday.

On Radcliffe Street in Royton, 14 houses will be built on the site of Royton Heath Centre, which was bulldozed in late 2013, with the intention of redeveloping the brownfield site.

At the junction of Oldham Road and Hardman Street in Failsworth another 14 homes are set to be built.

The new Royton development will consist of eight red brick two-bedroom homes and six three-bedroom homes laid out in three blocks and set behind small landscape gardens to the front with private gardens to the rear.

A planning statement, prepared for applicant Lancet Homes, said: "The development proposes an efficient use of 'brownfield' land, which will enhance the surrounding area, and restore the land historic use."

As there is no on-site open space provision a contribution of £27,140.16 will be made towards the improvement of public open space in the vicinity of the site, such as "multi-use games area tennis/basketball and skate park improvement" and infrastructure improvements at Royton Park.

After the emergence of the plans, two objections were raised by residents.

Reaction on social media was also mixed.

The proposals were posted on the Facebook page Save Royton's Greenbelt and attracted more than 30 comments.

One commenter wrote: “I don’t like the idea and its looks. I think aesthetically it will spoil the town landscape.”

A second person counteracted: “True, but like everyone else is saying its better than greenbelt and it’s a blot on the landscape at the moment.”

After weighing up the application, Oldham Council, which owns the land, recommended the scheme for approval.

At the planning meeting on Wednesday a majority of councillors voted to approve the application.

The site off Oldham Road and Hardman Street in Failsworth is also owned by Oldham Council and listed on the Brownfield register.

The scheme, also put forward by Lancet Homes, proposes two different house types, constructed with red brick.

An open space contribution of £25,544.20 towards maintenance and improvements at Moston Brook Green Corridor has been secured.

No objections to the proposals were raised by consultees and Oldham Council recommended the scheme for approval.

Councillors at planning meeting voted unanimously to approve the application.