Derelict site earmarked for housing

Graham Shuttleworth

A DERELICT industrial site in Failsworth will be transformed into 157 new homes overlooking the canal.

Councillors unanimously approved the plans at the former Express Dairies site in Ridgefield Street, which been disused for more than two years.

The Chronicle reported on March 18 that the plans to demolish existing buildings and develop apartments and town-houses were welcomed by locals, despite concerns about parking congestion.

It was initially reported that there would only be 63 residents' parking spaces and storage for 30 cycles.

But developer Failsworth Site Ltd consulted with councillors and council officials and said at Wednesday's planning meeting that there would now be 90 parking spaces.

There will be two access points to the site - an existing one from Ridgefield Street and another created from Brookdale Street.

One letter of objection was sent to the council, stating that the development could have a negative impact on current commercial activity and lead to anti-social behaviour problems while the site is under construction.

Councillor Graham Shuttleworth raised concerns about whether the developer would be able to pay £138,000, which will be given by the developer for the provision of open public place within Lower Memorial Park.

But the site was deemed economically viable by both the developer and planning officials.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, David Tye, from Paul Butler Associates Ltd, said: "The scheme has many benefits. This is a very high quality residential investment for Failsworth. It will re-develop obsolete land for canal-side living. The location is highly accessible and sustainable."