COLLEGE chiefs are "testing the water" over plans to build a swimming pool in Bury.

Holy Cross College is seeking outline planning permission to demolish the Bury Catholic Prep School in Manchester Road and replace it with a teaching block and sports facility, believed to be a swimming pool

However, residents living behind the Prep School site say the proposed development, if given the go-ahead by Bury Council, would turn the quiet streets and cul-de-sacs into a potential death traps.

Problems would also increase with regard to parents and college staff double parking, they claimed.

College bosses say they are only "testing the water" with the outline planning application and have a number of sites in mind should the need arise to expand the centre.

Principal Mr Mike O'Hare told the Bury Times: "This year we had a massive increase in applications for places at the college. All we are doing at the moment is exploring possible sites where any future expansions could be accommodated.

"There are no firm plans to speak of to fully explain any development."

He added: "The Prep School governors are aware of the application we have submitted for the site and, if it gets refused by Bury Council's planning department then it will not be a serious matter.

"We are looking at other sites around the college although no firm decision has been taken to expand. It could even be the case further down the line to cap the college attendance at its current level."

A recent Ofsted report indicated the Manchester Road college had a need for more sports and music facilities.

Mr Tim Woods, a resident of Inman Street said the outline application affected all residents in the vicinity of the Prep School.

He said: " I am concerned and object to the development of the teaching block on the Prep School site and, in particular, the introduction of parking spaces and a through road.

"This will have a massive effect on all of us. First the through road will turn Inman Street into a main road. The increase in size of the teaching block will mean more bodies with probably more cars flowing through our quiet residential area.

"And, if the premises are open later in the evening, the traffic will prevent out young children from playing out safely."

A petition is being collected from residents against the scheme.

Holy Cross College's proposal has been submitted to Bury Council's planning department and is expected to be discussed later next month by councillors.