HUNDREDS of residents attended a public meeting about plans for a huge sports and leisure village in Bromley Cross.

The meeting was held by Bromley Cross Developments Ltd at Holland Gardening Centre in Darwen Road — the location for the proposed 27-acre development.

The multi-million pound development could see the formation of a sports village featuring a range of all-weather pitches alongside a gym, an Aldi supermarket, a restaurant and a commuter car park.

Developers said they wanted feedback from local residents to help shape their plans — and scores picked up feedback forms yesterday to share their opinions.

David Joyce, who lives in Turton Heights, said: “We are very worried about the potential traffic in the area and as we live close to the site we are also concerned about potential noise pollution — particularly while the building work is going on.

“I’m sure the sports facilities will be very good but I am not sure we need them.”

Mother-of-two Rachel Seymour, of Chapeltown Road, said she was “100 per cent behind the plans”.

She added: “I am really into sport and so are my children. This development looks perfect to me. It will all be on one site and you can get some shopping done as well or have a family meal.

"This will be a massive plus for the area. The idea just works and I want them to get started right away.”

Other residents said they were yet to make up their minds on the plans.

Paul Wadicar, of Turton Heights, said: “I am undecided at the moment — I am concerned about the noise created by football pitches being open until 10pm.

“But my five-year-old son will most likely use the facilities and I would probably shop at the Aldi.”

Bromley Cross Developments director Justin Stannard said he was delighted with the responses from local people. He added: “We know this is the first step in a long journey, but we are overwhelmed by the response here today. I’m delighted with the interest people have shown.

“Of course people have concerns and many of those have been about things like safety when crossing Darwen Road and traffic issues, and we are hoping to address them.

“But there have been lots of people really endorsing the idea of the sports village.”