An application to demolish a bungalow to make way for three homes submitted by a parliamentary candidate has been dubbed 'excessive' by residents with fears it could impact green belt land.

In March this year, a proposal submitted by HNA Architects Ltd on behalf of Paul Errock outlined demolishing the current property on 3 Burnedge Lane, Grasscroft, for three four-bedroom homes.

Mr Errock, who is standing as an independent candidate in the general election, is also the managing director of the construction company, Marshall Errock Construction Limited.

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The documents show the plans involve tearing down the bungalow and its detached garage and shed to build the three-storey homes.

The development would provide accommodation for up to eight people per property plus a shared driveway of up to 12 spaces.

An appraisal conducted by Rachel Hacking Ecology found the site has a "low level" of ecological interest but advised the work should be mindful of habitats and species during the construction phase, and that any trees and hedgerows should be protected by fencing or replaced with a landscaping scheme.

A separate design and access statement submitted by HNA Architects states the existing trees and hedges to the rear of the site will remain as well as a "couple" of trees at the front and hedging along the site boundary.

However, some trees will need to be removed to enable access to plot one in the development. 

The documents further state the bungalow is surrounded by two and three-storey homes, with a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties, plus an "attractive" stone wall and manicured hedge which would be kept in the development.

As its neighbouring properties are "quite varied" with a mix of piked and hipped roofs, the plans propose the development will "continue the trend by striking a balance between the uniformity of the street scene" and deliver "high-quality" family housing.

However, four residents have objected to the plans via the council's planning website with several citing fears the development could harm the protected landscape.

One described the development as "excessive" and raised concerns that the "very bad bend" the site sits on is already "notorious" for near-crashes, where elderly people and children walk "at their peril", and that additional cars in the area could increase the risk of accidents.

The objector also said they believe the plans could impact green belt land, "which is not acceptable or necessary".

They added that the three-storey buildings are higher than the existing bungalow which could "adversely change the character of the area".

Another resident agreed, writing that the homes could be "too large and tall" and would "infringe upon the natural beauty of the area" while the removal of trees would impact local wildlife.

A third described the plans as "ludicrous" and "humongous", citing concerns that the homes could "devalue" the character of the area and its "natural state of beauty".

They said it is a "definite no-no" in terms of road safety and that they would alternatively be in favour of an extension to the existing bungalow instead - "but not three brand new houses on green belt".

The fourth stated similar fears over green spaces and claimed that while the development doesn't appear to sit directly on green belt land, the homes "will have a detrimental impact on the green belt as a result of their general height and excessive size".

They also stated the development would not be "in keeping with the area", present road traffic risks due to being on a junction of narrow country lanes and that the replacement of a bungalow with three four-bed homes is a "considerable overdevelopment".

In anticipation of such concerns, HNA Architects admit the development could see a "slight increase" in traffic on Burnedge Lane but that the scheme with its parking provision complies with planning rules and will ensure cars will not "spill into" Hood Lane.

The company also says a few surrounding houses may be impacted by the "outlook" of the development but that the 'attractive' wall and hedge "will minimise any overlooking issues".

The report adds: "Although views are not protected by planning, our proposals do not create any amenity of privacy issues for existing residents and separating distances have been carefully incorporated."

In support of the plans, the architects say the development will provide a boost to the local economy through construction work on the project - and a secondary boost to the local authority in Council Tax contributions as well as "new customers" for local businesses. 

Mr  Errock was approached by The Oldham Times but declined the opportunity to comment.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.