REVISED plans for the former Sainsbury's site look set to be given the go-ahead at a special planning meeting on Monday (June 23).

Bury planners have recommended that committee members approve the scheme subject to certain conditions.

As reported last week, the new plans came under fire from Our Lady of Grace priest, Monsignor John Allen, who criticised the developers for "ignoring" residents' views and instructions from the council.

He said the scheme was even bigger than before and still overshadowed the church in Fairfax Road.

But this week Countryside Properties, who have submitted the plans with Richardsons (with MCO Developments), responded to the criticism.

Speaking on behalf of the development partners, Ian Kelly, MD of Countryside Properties (North West Division) said he acknowledged the church's concerns but assured people that the development had been reduced by five per cent "in line with the views expressed by Bury Council".

He said the Fairfax Road section had been reduced by 14 per cent.

Mr Kelly said: "It is not true to say that the scheme is now bigger than it was before, or that we have ignored clear instructions we were given. We have worked hard to take all of the advice from the council on board in the new proposals and it has been acknowledged by Bury Council, via our planning consultants, that we have markedly lowered the height and overall massing of the Fairfax Road elevation."

Mr Kelly said they had asked for and listened to residents' views and said it was vital to the success of all their projects that the local community was thoroughly involved.

He added: "I can assure local people that we will create a high quality scheme which fits in well with the local landscape and is of lasting benefit to the area."

The planning committee will meet in the Lancaster Room at the Town Hall, Bury at 3pm.

If the scheme is approved, the developers must provide recreation facilities, public art, pedestrian facilities on Fairfax Road and improve footways surrounding the development.