MORE than 100 homes will be built at the present site of Olive's Paper Mill, despite opposition from nearby residents.

Plans for 116 new houses on the Tottington Road site were approved at a meeting of Bury council's planning control committee.

Objectors had complained that the scheme would add to parking and traffic congestion problems, and take valuable green space from the community.

The 163-year-old mill has been deemed non-viable by packaging firm Activecraft, who want to build the mixture of houses and apartments in partnership with builders Belway Homes.

The applicants claimed that housing was the only valid use for the site, due to a lack of interest in the site from other businesses.

They agreed with planners that parking spaces should be provided for residents and fishermen who use nearby lodges.

Land belonging to the same owners, further along the Kirklees Valley, will also be given over to Bury Council for public recreation and wildlife.

Speaking at the meeting, one objector said: "We've all seen the chaos that happens with traffic.

"Do the planning councillors for Bury really want to be remembered for making the situation worse?"

However, councillors were persuaded to back the application.