A DEVELOPMENT brief has been published for one of Bury and Bolton's largest brownfield sites.

An opportunity is being offered to redevelop the East Lancs Paper Mill site in Radcliffe.

Council bosses in Bury, being brought forward with Homes England, say the scheme could see up to 400 new homes.

Riverside parkland and a new relocated cricket ground should also follow.

Town hall chiefs say the package is in line with a strategy to promote 'brownfield' site developments.

And it will tie in with plans for a new Radcliffe civic hub, a new secondary school for the town at Spring Lane and a Radcliffe Market upgrade.

Would-be partners will be quizzed on social housing, design and construction.

Cllr Eamonn O Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The launch of this development opportunity on our largest brownfield site represents an important step forward in bringing much needed quality new homes to Radcliffe, as well as creating a quality environment and boost to the local economy. It will also significantly contribute to Radcliffe’s transformation “

“This large tract of former industrial land has laid derelict for many years and this opportunity reinforces the Council’s policy on prioritisin brownfield land, which aims to bring back derelict and previously developed sites into much needed and sustainable use.’’

It is intended to select a preferred developer by early 2022 and have a deal signed by next March.