A NEW housing development could be created on the site of derelict farm buildings — which will take pride of place in a new country park in Over Hulton.

Work has started to create the 550-acre country park, which will surround the new Logistics North manufacturing and distribution hub, which is being formed on the former Cutacre open cast mining site off the M61.

Several major firms, including Aldi, MBDA and Joy Global, have already agreed to base key premises there.

Now plans have been put forward to demolish a number of derelict farm buildings at the former Mills Brow Farm, which lies within the proposed country park, and replace them with four new houses.

The plans have been put forward by Harworth Estates, the firm that owns the site.

The area of farm buildings, on the south and west fringe of the Cutacre site, is approximately 1.38 hectares and includes a derelict farmhouse, a large concrete farmyard, agricultural buildings and stables.

The buildings have been described as “dilapidated” and have been hit by vandalism and fire.

The plan is to demolish all the existing buildings and build a “bespoke” development of four family homes, with adjoining double garages and a courtyard in the centre.

A spokesman for the developer said the new housing area will be an “attractive addition to the surrounding proposed country park”.

He added: “The redevelopment will provide for a much improved visual site within the country park.

“It has been designed to function well, providing quality bespoke living and will be visually attractive with all views of the development being considered.

“Redevelopment of the farmsteads will help to address anti-social behaviour, improving the appearance of the site and creating an attractive development.

“Once the proposed homes are occupied this will create natural surveillance and will deter criminal activity.”

40,000 trees have already been planted at the site of the new country park and 100 ponds are to be installed.

The park is expected to be completed in 2018.