RADCLIFFE will test a new concept in green living.

The Irwell Valley Housing Association has chosen the town to pilot a sustainable housing initiative bringing to the fore green issues including recycling and solar heating.

The three-storey block of nine modern flats will feature solar panels, special bins for recycling waste and bicycle sheds rather than car parking spaces.

A former Methodist church and a warehouse unit in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, will be demolished to accommodate the "futuristic development".

Irwell Valley is to draw up a code of conduct for future residents stating that cars should not be used in the vicinity of the flats to avoid adding to existing traffic congestion.

It stops short of saying that accommodation would not be let to car owners. Mr Gordon Kenyon, an Irwell Valley Housing Association spokesman, said the idea was to encourage residents to use public transport facilities rather than rely on cars.

He said: "The site in Radcliffe was chosen because of its town centre location and its accessibility to the main public transport routes.

"Irwell Valley is in negotiation with the transport authorities to try to obtain low-cost travel for future tenants.

"It also allows Irwell Valley to bring back into use a derelict building for low-cost housing needs."

The scheme, the cost of which has not yet been fully established, was given planning permission on Tuesday evening.

Councillor Julie Higson, a planning control sub-committee member, said: "Having houses without car parking space is rather unusual in itself.

"However, it does encourage people not to have cars and promotes public transport, recycling and the use of solar power. We must give this scheme a try, and see whether it works."

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