BUILDERS have had to abandon a multi-million pound homebuilding scheme in Bury after a developer went into administration.

David McLean Homes (DMH) was last year given permission to start building 70 homes next to the old Pilot Mill in Alfred Street.

But the construction team was forced to down tools after just 11 homes had been completed because DMH’s parent company, David McLean, went into administration.

However, the project could be rescued if another construction firm, Elan Homes, is allowed to take over the development.

The Welsh firm bought the land from DMH and has asked Bury Council for permission to revive the project on a smaller scale, building 50 houses and scrapping the planned 20 apartments.

An Elan Homes spokesman said: “Due to the current financial climate, previous planning permission is not now viable and, therefore, development was only commenced on some of the units fronting Alfred Street before being halted.

“The aim of the design team is to create a new housing development that provides modern housing that will improve the character of the local area and add value to the local community.”

The homes will have either two or three bedrooms and the new neighbourhood would have 88 parking spaces.

Twelve of the new homes would be designated as affordable houses, which often have a 25 per cent discount on the price.

Councillors are set to make a decision by October 27.