RESIDENTS have lost their prolonged fight to stop a controversial housing development from finally getting underway.

Despite a desperate plea from neighbours and councillors to delay the decision on Tuesday night so contentious issues could be addressed, Bury planning committee granted Belway Homes permission to build 191 homes on Spen Moor, on the border of Radcliffe and Bury.

In 2012, the committee agreed in principle that housing was suitable for the site, but developers still needed 'reserved matters' permission to start work.

Neighbour Carol Birtenshaw told the committee that some objectors had not received letters about the meeting and she questioned why it took Bury Council almost two months to upload an Environment Agency letter that covered key points about the proposal.

She said: "The Environment Agency made some very relevant recommendations about protecting this land.

"They submitted it on June 30 and it went on Bury Council’s website on August 20, so what happened to it in that time?"

No council representative at the meeting was able to answer her question though the authority's planning control manager Dave Marno said that the council wrote to 233 addresses during the consultation period and people could easily find out when the meeting was.

Mrs Birtenshaw also said the original plan did not include three-storey properties, whereas the latest submission did.

Martin Parry, the agent for the applicants, said: "We've only used three-storey properties in key locations so the public can find their way around the scheme through legible landmarks.

"My client's intention is to provide a development of the highest standard, including affordable housing and an ecological area."

One of the objectors' biggest concerns was a proposed retaining structure next to Sunningdale Close.

Mrs Birtenshaw added: "Imagine a wall higher than this building (the town hall).

"That's what we're being asked to look at. Why are we having this? What is the wall constructed of? You tell me. We’ve asked and no information has been forthcoming.

"We need this decision deferring."

Cllr Roy Walker said: "Residents of Sunningdale Close will be affected adversely by this massive retaining wall.

"The original application referred to a hedgerow, not a massive defensive structure akin to an English Heritage site.

"It's all being rushed through in the summer holiday with extreme haste."

Several committee members asked Mr Marno for guidance on whether they should defer the decision.

Mr Marno said: "Enough detail about the plan exists and the principle of housing on this land has been established."

The committee voted not to defer the decision and voted in favour of the development.