PLANS have been submitted for a 400 home housing masterplan in Radcliffe.

Bury Council and Homes England (the government's housing agency) have submitted plans for a housing development on the 22.72ha East Lancs Paper Mill site.

The development on the brownfield site would include open space fronting onto the river Irwell and sports areas, one of which means the relocation of the existing cricket ground to the Tower Farm part of the site.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “This planning application represents an important step forward in bringing much needed quality new homes to Radcliffe.

"Due to its location, the proposed development will form an integral part of the town and will help to improve the local environment and boost the local economy.

“What’s more, it reinforces the council’s ‘brownfield first’ policy, which aims to bring back derelict and previously developed sites into much needed and sustainable use."

If approved by council planners the site would have access off Cross Street via a new road, west of Croft Lane, with another access from Cock Clod Street.

The outline application has been prepared by specialist consultants WYG, on behalf of Homes England and Bury Council.

The draft proposals were presented to the public in January, following comments from the public the plans have been refined says Bury Council.

Housing on the site would be a mix a detached, semi-detached and terraced properties together with some apartments.

Plans include a provision for affordable housing but this is subject to viability.

The site previously held reservoirs and has a goit running through it. In 2015 it was one of the areas flooded.

A 53-page flood risk assessment has been submitted with the plans which concludes the site is at low risk of flooding. Sustainable urban drainage is part of the plans as are a number of other flood prevention methods.

Nicola Elsworth, head of public sector land, North West at Homes England, said: ‘’We’ve worked extensively with people in Radcliffe to create a plan for the East Lancashire Paper Mill site.

“The site has the potential to bring 400 new homes to the town, helping to meet demand for good quality housing in the area.

“Gaining planning consent for the site will help to secure a homebuilder who can bring the site back into use for the benefit of the local population.”

The paper mill was built during the industrial revolution and closed in 2001, it was demolished in 2005.

If approved the development would contribute to Bury's five year housing plan which says around 625 homes should be built every year.

To view and comment on the plans search using application number 62969 on the online Bury Council planning portal.