CONCERNS about the redevelopment of the Elms Precinct have been raised by church representatives.

Members of Whitefield Methodist Church, which backs on to the site on Elms Street, claimed plans by land owner Mr Albert Gubay failed to take into account the impact of the development on the church.

Speaking at Whitefield Area Board on Tuesday, Mr Graham Gaskell said the proposed development, which includes shops and a fitness centre, would encroach on a track, Dixon Fold, which provided the church with access to the rear of the building from Bury New Road.

Referring to a set of detailed drawings produced by Gubay's architects he said: "This track has already disappeared and deprives the church of this essential vehicular access. We need access to the stage from this track and we can trace access back to 1853." Mr Gaskell said the proximity of building work would also affect emergency evacuation of the church hall and claimed they had been sidelined in the planning process.

Outline planning permission for the development was granted to North Western Properties Ltd in September and concerns were also raised over the fact that Gubay had appeared to have already started work on the site.

Board member Coun Derek Boden, and deputy leader of the council, said: "The planning committee gave outline permission but these plans seen tonight are far too detailed for us to have passed."

Coun Cath Platt added: "We have got to act with all speed if building has started now. We are thankful this has been brought to our attention."

Mr Daniel said that Mr Gubay was quite within his rights to begin work on the development as long as he did not do anything near the Bury New Road edge of the land.

He added that the problem over the access road would be a private matter between the church and Mr Gubay but he would ask both parties for information.