A HOSPITAL for deaf people in Bury is to be redeveloped.

The town's planning committee gave the go ahead for the construction of two three-storey nursing blocks at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Bolton Road, Elton, along with a two-storey sports hall and a games pitch.

A petition with 274 signatures against the plans had been submitted by residents in the area.

They said that there would be increased traffic around the grounds, along with noise pollution and problems with the visual impact of the development, claiming it would not be in keeping with the colour and design of the original buildings.

But following a site visit, councillors at Tuesday night's meeting (May 27) approved the plans.

Twelve months ago, the hospital became a secure residential unit for deaf people suffering from mental health problems. It is the first of its kind in Europe, providing care that bosses say would be impossible in mainstream hospitals.

Councillor Connie Fitzgerald said: "Deaf people have often been left behind. But it is nice to see this hospital providing a much needed service."