RESIDENTS have slammed a construction project as an “eyesore.”

Developers, Marshall CDP is building the food production unit in Roach Bank Road, Pilsworth Industrial Estate.

The development, which was approved by the planning committee, will create 400 jobs. But, local people are unhappy with the development. Edna Lawrence, aged 84, her house in Harrington Close faces the building site. She said: “It’s an eyesore because it’s so high.”

Mrs Lawrence was notified of the development but said there was no indication of just how tall it was going to be. She said: “I think we ought to get our rates reduced but I know we won’t. It does spoil it and it will reduce the price of houses if people come to sell them.”

Lubna Imran, aged 38, lives in Grasmere Drive. Her back garden is overlooked by the site. Like Mrs Lawrence, she received a letter and again said she did not realise how high it would be. Mrs Imran said: “It’s affecting how much sun we get and it’s blocking the view.” One resident in Redmere Drive called the site an ‘aberration’.

Bury Council sent out 86 letters in September, notifying residents of the site – one letter of objection was received. The plans include an intention to plant tall trees to screen the site. Local Cllr Judith Kelly, said: “It is huge, but no one has contacted me about it. If residents think the building isn’t what was agreed it can be looked at.”

She said all the correct procedures had been followed and added that, unfortunately, the view from a house is not a planning concern.

Nobody from Marshall CDP was available for comment.