A NEW housing estate is planned for the centre of Radcliffe on the site of a disused factory.

Morris homes has submitted a full application to build 141 homes at the former Allen Green Works on Hutchinson Way.

If the bid is successful the Merseyside-based company, which is the prospective buyer of the land, will build cul-de-sacs of one and two-bedroomed apartments, two and three-bedroomed town houses and semis, and three and four-bedroomed detached houses.

The former works buildings were occupied by Strebor Diecasting. The 70-year-old company closed down last year due to an escalation in operating costs and an inability to compete in global markets.

The buildings have stood empty for 18 months and are suffering from neglect and vandalism. Despite being advertised, no other companies have shown any interest and if Morris' Homes bid is successful, the buildings would be demolished.

In addition to the homes, 10,000 sq ft of the land would be given over for small industrial "starter" units.

A spokesman for consultants Michael Courcier and Partners said: "The development will result in the removal of vacant industrial buildings to the benefit of the residential amenity of existing residents of the area.

"It would not jeopardise the supply of employment land in the borough neither would it prejudice continued employment use on Sion Street."

He added that the location of the development, close to schools and community facilities, would reduce the reliance of residents on cars.

Allen's Green Bowling Club, which has been in existence for more than 50 years, is at the centre of the site but would not be affected by the project.

Planning bosses will decide on the application later this year.