PLANS to build eight houses close to Kirklees nature reserve in Tottington have been submitted to Bury Council.

The proposed site for the new homes to the north of Bury Road on land off Brownhills Close borders Green Belt to the north and contains a footpath that links to the Kirklees Brook and Kirklees nature reserve.

The eight houses will be a mixture of detached and semi-detached homes with Rossendale-based architects Squareyard also promising a new play area, community orchard and community green.

In an access and design statement, Squareyard, said: "The overall vision for the site is to provide a distinctive medium density residential development, reflecting qualities and characteristics of the Kirklees valley.

"The development of eight dwellings along with associated public open space provides a choice of

housing to meet the needs of the area whilst enhancing the site.

"It will also promote the use of sustainable transport and connect into a variety of local existing public rights of way and leisure assets.

"Housing will be set within a robust green infrastructure, integrated within the landscape to create a distinctive sense of place.

"The client approached Bury Council to share a new vision for the proposed site. Since

then there has been a dialogue/collaboration to create the most appropriate design solution for the site."

The homes will built into two cul-de-sacs with access from Brownhill Close and Bury Road.

A new 2.1m wide fully accessible footpath would link Bury Road with the Kirklees Valley and rail line bike track.

The statement added: "he loss of the existing public open space (POS) has been sufficiently offset by

the enhancement offered by the proposed play area and open space proposed as part of this development.

"The POS proposed as part of the scheme provides significant betterment over the existing baseline and provides a mechanism for its upkeep and enhancement ongoing.

"Through the introduction of additional dwellings to the space the scheme provides better surveillance of the POS areas making the area more safe for use. This coupled with the enhancement to the footpath links between Bury Road/ Browhills Close and the existing rail line route presents a considerable enhancement to connectivity and accessibility between these areas.

"It is hoped that this connectivity will make the new play area a key stopping point for people using the rail line route and create a vibrant play space for the wider area."

A decision will be made by Bury Council's planning department at a later date.