Borough councillors last week followed the advice of their planning officers in backing Egerton Estates' proposals for Sheldon's former dairy depot in Thorneyholme Drive.

Builders are expected to start work on the 14 homes in October.

Six neighbours had complained about the development, fearing it would lead to a loss of parking and trees.

"I still think the scheme is a little over the top, but it appears to be the best possible compromise," Clr Wilson Hamman told his colleagues at last week's planning meeting.

"This is a historic part of the town with a village-centre atmosphere that should be preserved."

Three representatives from Egerton Estates attended Wednesday's meeting.

Last week a spokesman said he was not surprised the plans for 12 houses and two flats had been approved.

"It was not really a contentious scheme because people wanted to see that area developed," he said.

Work could now start in October, coinciding with its development in Brook Street.

The houses at both sites are expected to be on the market next year.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.