PROPOSALS for a large housing development in Radcliffe are currently in the making.

Developers Countryside Properties and Seaham Estates are drawing up plans for up to 200 houses at land off York Street.

It is understood the York Street scheme allows for up to 200 family homes, as well as improved cycle and pedestrian routes, and an area of public open space.

A public engagement event is scheduled to take place at Bury Sports Club on Thursday, May 31, and residents in the surrounding area have been invited to attend to view the plans and speak with key stakeholders.

It is expected that a full planning application will be submitted this summer.

A letter sent to residents by consultants Indigo Planning reads: "I am writing to invite you to view the plans for the proposed development at land off York Street, Radcliffe.

"Countryside Properties is a national housebuilder with sites up and down the country, including several in Greater Manchester. Countryside is committed to delivering high quality family homes in sustainable locations.

"Seaham Estates is a landowner and developer. It currently owns the site which will be sold subject to planning to Countryside Properties.

"We will be holding a public exhibition and we hope that yo will be able to drop in to the session.

"The site is location in your neighbourhood and we are therefore keen to get your feedback on the proposals."

Discussions are under way with the Environment Agency to address "potential issues", including flood defences, that are relevant to the brownfield site.

The proposed land, bordering the River Irwell, is just one mile away from the former East Lancashire Paper Mill site that has been earmarked for 440 houses.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “In our development of a robust Flood Risk Management Strategy for the River Irwell corridor, we have been working closely with Bury Council and Seaham Estates to ensure the proposed York Street development is complementary to, and provides benefits to the final scheme.

"Information about the development plans demonstrating how they mitigate any chance of increased flood risk will be available at the public consultation on Thursday, May 31."

Councillor Rhyse Cathcart, who represents Radcliffe East on Bury Council, is directly affected by the scheme as a resident and as a flood survivor who had to vacate his home when the River Irwell burst its banks in the Boxing Day floods of 2015.

Cllr Cathcart said: "These plans impact on me directly as a resident.

“As a flood survivor, I am mindful of the impact any development can have.

“However, the land owners and developers have been in negotiations with the Environment Agency around the flood defence scheme for this proposal.

“This land is a brownfield site that is falling prey to flytipping and anti-social behaviour. It is wasteland causing an eyesore. As long as the flood risks are mitigated, I would much rather see it used for houses.

“Developers are talking to residents and trying to explain the scheme. Hopefully that will reassure people.”

At the public exhibition, residents will be able to see the plans and speak with the developers and representatives from the project team.

The consultation event will be held in the function room at Bury Sports Club, Radcliffe Road, on Thursday, May 31, between 4 and 7pm.

Residents who are unable to attend should contact Indigo Planning at comment@indigoplanning.com who will provide more details of the proposal.