ANGRY residents are protesting against plans to build a care unit for people with disabilities because they fear it could also be used to house people with a criminal background.

Residents in Parsonage Street and Whittaker Street, Radcliffe, have opposed proposals to build a new supported living complex on land between the two roads.

36 neighbours have made representations against the plans, following a consultation.

Altrincham-based firm HB Community Solutions Living want to demolish former care home, Whittaker House, and build 20 one-bedroom flats on its site.

The proposals for 14 flats and a higher complex care block of six additional flats, together with 15 parking spaces and landscaping, were submitted to Bury Council last month.

The flats would be run by UK support service provider Lifeways, who say they are for people with learning and physical disabilities only.

However, residents are worried because of a reference in the planning documents to Lifeways providing facilities for tenants with “forensic needs”.

People with forensic needs are those who have a mental health problem and have been arrested, are on remand or who have been found guilty of a crime in court.

However, Jemima Taylor, oft Lifeways, said the development would not be used by people with forensic needs.

She said: “This development is purely to benefit local residents with learning and physical disabilities to help them to lead independent, full and active lives.

“We know there can be public mis-conceptions around supported living, but we will continue to work in partnership with the local community to offer reassurance, while supporting local people with disability to live independently.”

Resident Carl Davies, aged 45, was concerned about the safety of the many children who live on the street.

He said: “People with forensic needs could endanger the children who live and play safely in this quiet, residential cul-de-sac.

“If there will not be residents with forensic needs living in the flats, why is it mentioned on the planning application?”