CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 164 homes on the site of an old chemical works are a step closer to reality.

Councillors unanimously voted to grant outline planning permission to Woodford Land’s proposals to develop the former Akzo Nobel plant in Littleborough, despite public concerns about land contamination.

A restaurant, pub, hotel and retail units could now also be built on the Hollingworth Road site.

Some 36 conditions were attached to the application including a requirement for Woodford to submit detailed plans on how the firm plans to remediate the site.

But a number of residents and community groups were concerned Woodford’s outline proposals to cap land pollution, including asbestos, fatty acid and oil,with a 900mm ‘hard to dig’ layer of soil and crushed concrete didn’t go far enough.

Roger Davis, of the Littleborough Canalside Development Group, also expressed fears that the committee was being asked to make a decision without full knowledge of how Woodford planned to make the site safe and that the firm was relying on a contamination survey that was carried out by Akzo Nobel.

He said: “You are being asked to make a decision based on a report that was submitted by the previous site owners as an exit strategy. I resolve you defer your decision until such time as you receive total information about the site.”

But a spokesman for Woodford’s agents King Sturge, said the plans had the support of the public. He added: “We have carried out an extensive public consultation and the response indicates the majority of people support these plans.

“We held a exhibition and sent out 9,000 leaflets and only 22 letters of objection were received by the council. Our proposal will transform a large and important site within Littleborough and will bring significant benefits to the community.”

Councillor Robert Clegg sought assurances the remediation plans were sufficient. He said: “The report is not by any stretch definitive. I want assurances that this is the gold standard of remediation. Without that, I have a real problem with the application.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley asked for guarantees that the conditions would be properly monitored by the council.

Mark Brown, Rochdale Council’s contaminated land officer, said: “Capping systems are commonly used in this type of development and the way the system is designed depends on what is going to be left in the ground.

“Remediating a site is not removal of the contamination. It is about designing in a comprehensive solution which reduces the risk down to a manageable level.”