A BLOCK of "100 per cent affordable" flats is set to be built on the edge of Bury town centre despite concerns about its appearance, accessibility and traffic.

The proposed building of 36 apartments will be located on the bank of the River Irwell on land off Millett Street where an engineering company was once based.

Councillors on the planning committee unanimously voted to approve the development of affordable one-bedroom flats.

But Cllr Cristina Tegolo said that the development would only be suitable for young people as there would be no lift in the three-storey building.

She said: "Overall, I find the block bland. I don't think it adds anything to the street view. I appreciate that it's 100 per cent affordable housing, but I think we should look at what the community needs and I don't think catering for just one side of the community would be good. We need to have a mix."

Cllr Tegolo praised the developer for including electric vehicle charging points in the scheme but said that there was room for improvement.

Planning chief David Marno explained why the officers had recommended that councillors approve the application subject to the developer signing an agreement committing it to providing affordable housing.

He said: "It's a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme. Many developments we deal with, we are fighting tooth and nail to get 25 per cent. This site needs remediation – the site does come along with costs."

The council's head of development management also responded to claims that previous applications at the site had been refused because the land was not deemed suitable.

John Whitehead, a resident of Millett Street, attended the planning committee meeting on Tuesday night to share his concerns about a building of this size being located on the bank of a river.

He also told councillors that traffic in the area, which has two secondary schools nearby, would be worsened as a result of the development.

But Mr Marno corrected him, saying that the previous applications were not refused on the grounds of stability or traffic.

In fact, the last proposal concerning the site fell through because the developer faced financial trouble and failed to sign a Section 106 agreement with the council, he told the committee.

Head of highways Dave Giblin reassured councillors that this type of development would not have much of an impact on the road network.

Cllr Tony Cummings said: "Like all councillors, I see a lot of people and one of the needs is affordable houses. And there aren't any. I would welcome this."