A HOUSING development can be built on the site of Marsdens Van Hire on Longshaw Street.

Members of the borough council's development control committee gave the nod to outline blueprints to regenerate the industrial site despite the reservations of residents.

A detailed application for the site will now be sought by developers wanting to buy it but councillors gave assurances that they will make sure the development is for the benefit of the area.

Debbie Bibby, who lives on the nearby Crosby Avenue in Dallam, said she had worries that the new buildings could be large flats which would then overlook neighbouring homes and create extra traffic woes in the area.

And Clr Jeff Richards, who used to work at Marsdens, said: "The regeneration of the area is welcome locally but the concerns need to be addressed at an early stage."

The plan, agreed last Wednesday night, only gives permission for the possibility of a development and does not provide details on the type of homes that can be built and how many there would be.

Clr Les Hoyle said: "I have worries about this site but a lot of work needs to be done by the developers."