A CONTROVERSIAL multi-million pound development, which Radcliffe residents claim will wreck their lives, is to go ahead.

Despite massive opposition, town planners have granted outline permission for an expansion scheme at the East Lancashire Paper Mill.

The decision has stunned those who live in the shadow of the mill. They say their quality of life will suffer from 24-hour traffic and noise from the plant.

One resident has threatened legal action, saying the development will blight her home.

Mrs Lynzie Baker of nearby Cross Lane said: "The price of my house has dropped by £15,000 since these plans came to light. I'll certainly be seeking legal advice."

The scheme, still to receive full planning permission, includes a new paper-machine house, a new access, and the filling and remodelling of lodges at the 60-acre industrial site on Church Street East.

In a bid to win public support, the £10 million investment programme has twice been deferred and revised, but a series of public consultations has failed to quash the fears of local people.

The machine house has drawn most criticism. Residents believe it will be noisy and unsightly.

Other concerns include possible danger and disturbance caused by more vehicles using the site, loss of parking and the threat to wildlife. Former Bury South MP David Sumberg and the Green Party were among those who objected to the scheme, along with the headteacher of the Radcliffe Hall CE and Methodist Primary School.

Once work begins, a cricket pitch and bowling green will be resited, and fish from the lodges will be transferred to another area.

Outline permission was also given for new security fencing which will close public access at Church Street East and Croft Lane where they cross the ELPM premises.

ELPM chief executive Mr J. Rothwell said: "The East Lancashire Paper Mill is delighted that planning permission has been approved. We view it as an important step in the development of the future strategy of the company.."

Radcliffe councillor Kevin Scarlett this week said he cautiously welcomed the decision of the planning control sub-committee which would still give residents the change to negotiate with ELPM over the final details of the scheme.

"I think it is a fair and sensible decision given that ELPM need to redevelop within their existing site to survive into the next millennium and given that the paper industry is increasingly competitive."

He added: "When you consider that ELPM is the largest employer in Radcliffe and has an impact upon the town and its economy, if the company was unable to redevelop it would be extremely detrimental."

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