PLANS to build a flats complex for young mothers and pregnant teenagers in Radcliffe has sparked an outcry from neighbouring residents.

Disused land on Bury Road could be transformed into 12 flats to accommodate mums and mums-to-be aged between 16 and 20.

But residents have objected to the application made by Manchester Methodist Housing Association, fearing it will have a negative effect on their properties.

Although planning officials have recommended approval of the development, a final decision will not be taken until a site visit is made by councillors next month.

The housing association, which owns the land close to the junction with Withins Avenue, also plans to create office space, a creche, laundry, common room, meeting room, training rooms to teach the girls mothering skills, and a nine-space car park.

There is also a possibility that a public work of art would be sited at the development.

Several objections have been lodged with the council. In a report to members of Bury's planning committee, one householder said he would be "appalled" to have to live opposite "such an establishment".

Another objector said: "If a new focus was added to this well balanced community it may well become over-run and spoilt".

Mr Steve Ormrod, who lives in Bury Road, told the Radcliffe Times: "Single mothers do not give a very good impression as far as family values are concerned."

Neighbours also claimed their houses would be devalued, traffic and congestion would be added to an already busy road and industrial traffic to adjacent warehousing would create a hazard to young children and mothers with prams.

A spokesman for Manchester Methodist Housing Association said: "We understand that people get concerned when new developments are planned near their homes and we are keen to work with local people to overcome any misunderstandings about our proposals."

She added: "The planned mother and baby scheme will provide much needed support for young women in the Bury area.

"The scheme has been carefully thought out and developed in consultation with both Bury Council and Bury & Rochdale Health Authority."

To further reassure residents, she said: "Our association has a lot of experience in running this type of project, with two similar schemes already long established in Bolton and West Didsbury. Both are extremely successful and integrate well into the local communities where they are based."

The site visit by councillors will take place on October 22.