THE BARE bones of a multi-million plan known as The Rock Triangle to transform the town centre have been given the green light.

Further in-depth discussions are set take place regarding the development, but outline permission has been granted by the planning committee, taking the scheme another step nearer to fruition.

The Rock Triangle will see a £150 million overhaul of the area bounded by The Rock, Rochdale Road, Moorgate retail park and the Firstbus depot.

And while councillors passed the first stage of the plan, the scheme will still have to be discussed by the Secretary of State before it is given the ultimate go-ahead.

The Rock Triangle plans will create 1,500 jobs and boast 40 new shops and a large department store, a multiplex cinema, along with restaurants and cafes.

The scheme also includes a new medical centre, 100 flats, better transport and pedestrian links and 1,250 multi-storey car parking spaces.

At the meeting of the planning committee at Bury Town Hall on Tuesday, Geoff Chambers, planning advisor to the First Group, said he felt that they had not had enough time to look at the plans and put forward any issues that would affect them, such as access requirements.

He said: "The key issue we have is about the safety of the junction of the new road with Rochdale Road.

"We feel that the visibility splay should be 45 metres or more, but on the plan it is nearer to 40 metres. We do not feel this is adequate for a new bus depot. We feel it would be unsafe and we will maintain this objection."

A representative for developers, Thornfield, who spoke at the meeting, said he felt that even a 33 metre visibility splay would be adequate considering the low speeds that buses would be using the junction.

The committee agreed to ensure that discussion and consultations would continue with all individuals and businesses involved in the development.

Coun Yvonne Wright said: "I hope this plan won't be to the detriment of other, smaller businesses in the town. Independents make this town different - most towns have malls.

"I would hate to see any of our smaller businesses go to the wall because of this development."

As part of the plan, the United Reformed Church on Rochdale Road, will now be moved to a new site off School Brow, which is currently occupied by a car park.

The committee also passed associated plans to demolish Hornby Buildings in The Rock, which currently houses a collection of shops, a takeaway, Sol Viva nightclub and a hairdressers.

The two buildings will make way for a new three-storey glass building which it is proposed will house leisure and business facilities.

Mr Spencer Howarth, speaking in opposition of the plan, said he did not want to see the demolition of one of the town's last historical buildings.

He said: "I feel this plan has been created by someone with no passion or knowledge of the town or its historical buildings.

"They are only interested in the growth of their investment."

Coun Alan Matthews agreed with Mr Howarth and said that there would be too much glass, and it's not in keeping with other buildings. I just don't think it should be in the middle of Bury in its present form."

But Coun Keith Grime disagreed, saying he felt that buildings should reflect the period of time they are built in, and should not just be built to look like other surrounding buildings.