RESIDENTS have united to oppose plans for a petrol station on the former site of a landmark pub.

Plans for a Spar convenience store, petrol station and jet wash facility on the former site of the Jolly Carters in Bury and Bolton Road were submitted to Bury Council last month.

The pub shut back in 2005 and the building then housed a pair of Indian restaurants before it was demolished two years ago.

More than 100 objections have been submitted against the proposals, which also include a car wash facility and 20 car parking spaces.

A planning statement submitted alongside the plans states that the convenience store will be open from 6am-11pm, seven days a week, and will help to create 20 new jobs.

However, residents have raised several concerns about the plans, including over an increase in traffic at the junction of Bury and Bolton Road and Watling Street.

Fears have also been expressed about the impact the development would have on nearby businesses, namely those on Mile Lane.

Sam Turner, who lives on Newington Drive, described the plans as being "totally unfit for purpose".

Mr Turner, who has been campaigning against the proposals, added: "This application is completely unnecessary and would be detrimental to residents and businesses in this part of Bury.

"Many shops on Mile Lane and Colville Drive benefit from the footfall that the existing convenience stores bring.

"Not only that, but when we consider the local feeling around developments on the green belt, to lose this brownfield site which could be vital for building new homes, would be a real shame."

Meanwhile, Church ward councillor Roy Walker said he also intended to object to the plans and believed the site was more suited to housing.

Plans for a housing estate on the site were approved back in 2010, despite opposition from local residents.

The plan involved building one four-bedroom detached house and 14 three-bedroom semi-detached houses.

Cllr Walker said: "Ideally, the site would be used for houses or apartments. It is a residential area on four sides and I do not think it will be a good development for the houses close to it.

"Traffic is also a problem at that junction and it is getting worse, without having a garage there."