PLANS for new parking spaces at the popular Whitefield Park sparked anger from objectors who fear they are a stepping stone to future development on the site.

The proposals have re-ignited a row over the land, which is protected by covenants dating back to the 19th century dedicating the recreational space to the public.

A letter has informed residents in the Stanley Road area of council plans for 41 car parking spaces and a multi-surface play area on the former Stanley Road Depot.

The council says it is aiming to meet demands from users following a consultation exercise.

But protester Brian Attree, who three years ago helped force a climb-down by town hall bosses on plans to have the covenants legally overturned, claims that the development would be the thin end of the wedge. Mr Attree (48), who spearheads the Whitefield Park Action Group, said: "The council don't even own the land but they've got their eye on it for some reason or other." "There are three car parks in the area already, why they want to put another 41 spaces doesn't make sense. They just want to get their foot in the door so that they can use it for whatever they want eventually."

In 1998, a plan to have the covenants overturned, so that options including a youth "drop in" centre on the site could be explored, was abandoned. Residents raised a 900-name petition, fearing that the land would be used for housing. They demanded the covenants remained in place.

Mr Attree, of Stanley Road, said: "It is a new way of sidestepping these covenants. The land was dedicated to leisure activities. We've no problem with a ball zone, but a car park doesn't represent that and the council musn't put one there."

Councillor Pam Walker, who supported the last petition and has been working for new youth facilities, largely welcomed the plan.

She said: "The ball zone is something we've been trying to get for the last two and a half years. The car park may be a sticking point but we've got to see what residents think.

"Nobody has any intention of taking the covenants off the land."

Bury Council customer services manager Neil Long said: "The car park is intended for park users and does not go against any restrictions in the covenants. Had we wanted to put a public car park there that would be different."