AN ecologist has accused planning bosses of "shamelessly" destroying a thriving wildlife haven.

Amphibian and pond life specialist Dave Bentley said Bury Council's planning committee would be remembered in history for ignoring its own experts to allow 288 new homes to be built on the former Radcliffe Paper Mill site in Radcliffe.

He said: "For the first time in Bury's history a planning control committee has voted to destroy a Site of Biological Importance despite a recommendation by the council's own ecological advisers to reject the scheme. "An environmentally friendly scheme could have been requested but the planning committee chose the worst case scenario."

The Barratt Homes plan encroaches on the Grade B Chapelfield SBI, contrary to Bury's Unitary Development Plan, while tree felling and disturbance of the land would be offences under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act.

However, councillors believe the use of the land for new housing is essential to further Radcliffe's revival.

Councillor Denise Bigg, who voted in favour of the scheme, echoed the sentiments of the committee: "This scheme provides an golden opportunity to develop a brownfield site."

Councillor Mike Connolly also described the project as "very exciting".

However, Councillor Warren Flood, who is the chairman of the committee, voted against the application. He said: "While I think this is a well thought out plan, there has already been a great deal of damage carried out to an SBI site. This development will only cause further detriment to the local wildlife."

The housing project must now go to the Secretary of State for final approval as the scheme is a departure from the Unitary Development Plan.