ANGRY residents have accused a college of acting in an ‘underhand’ way over expansion plans they believe will have a detrimental impact on their area.

Holy Cross College has submitted the plans to expand its current campus, in Manchester Road, by remodelling a building opposite, dating back to 1890.

The plans for the building, which is currently made up of two semi-detached properties, involve creating eight teaching spaces, as well as building an additional two-storey glass-fronted building at the back to form a further eight.

The plans would be subject to the college agreeing a deal to buy the site.

However, neighbours say they are furious about the college’s lack of communication over the plans.

Kio Rostamian, who lives in a neighbouring property in Manchester Road, said he first received a letter about the proposals on October 17, nine months after consultations between the college and Bury Council planning officers first began. Other residents claim they have not been consulted at all.

Mr Rostamian said: “I am absolutely baffled. The college have been in consultation with the council for nine months. They have had that long to inform us, but they have kept it secret.

“Whenever anyone on our row has submitted an application in the past, everyone on the street has had a letter.”

A group of residents met to discuss the plans last week, and among their concerns are the impact the expanded campus will have on their privacy, as well as on traffic and parking in the area.

“The students are already having a detrimental impact on traffic around here when they park in permit-only bays,” said Mr Rostamian.

“It is a dangerous road and students will be crossing the road even more if they build a campus on the other side.”

The Holy Cross campus has undergone a series of expansions in recent years, and has now maximised the use of its current site.

A design and access statement submitted alongside the plans says the new site would not be used to increase staff or student numbers, but instead to provide more space for existing numbers.

As well as the main access from Manchester Road, a second pedestrian access is also proposed at the back, linking the site to Bury Sports Club.

It is hoped that the new site would enable students to use all of the college’s facilities and create ‘a city campus feel’.

The college claims that the new development would retain the appreciation of the building, which currently houses six apartments and a family home. However, residents dispute this.

“The plans are not in keeping with the building at all,” said Mr Rostamian. “These buildings are steeped in history, and the long, beautiful gardens are a part of their heritage.”

Holy Cross principal David Frost told the Bury Times that the college were ‘just exploring possibilities at this stage’, and no decision had been taken on whether to go ahead with the plans.

He added: “If we decide we are seriously interested, and want to go ahead, we will consult widely and listen to all concerned.”