Furious neighbours have criticised plans to build over 100 homes on the site of a B&M discount store in Manchester.

       Developer Triple Jersey has planning permission to build 115 flats and houses on the site of the B&M superstore which will be levelled to make way for the development.

       Given a green light on its second bid, Triple Jersey's plan for 112 dwellings was withdrawn in 2023 after local councillors opposed them.

       Local politicians and residents opposed the revised plan, but councillors voted eight to three in favour of the application at a meeting last Thursday.

       Jean Smith, 72, who lives in the area, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the increase in the local population would put more pressure on schools, doctors, dentists and hospitals. She added: "We have a horrendous time here with parking."

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       Mary Beirne, 80, said the area needs housing, but warned adding to the local population would have increase traffic. She said: "This road is already very, very busy. It’s extremely busy after the building is done. It will cause a hell of a lot of traffic."

       Neighbour Vivien Powell, 75, said she shared concerns about parking, but also about the B&M staff affected by the changes. She said: "I've been right against it. I enjoy going to that shop. I know the staff there."

       Local councillor, Murtaza Iqbal, told the city council's planning committee the neighbourhood is under-served when it comes to shops, with the nearest supermarket in Didsbury.

       He said: "It’s not the removal of a shop. It’s the removal of something people rely on. This plan feels out of step with the rest of the area. The five-storey block will overshadow houses.

       "[The scheme] must provide real benefits and not profits for developers. We can and should expect better."

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       Senior council officer Des Jones said it was a shame to lose a "well-valued" shop, but planning rules offered no protection to B&M as the site is out of town.

       The planning committee was also unable to stop the application being approved despite concerns about affordable housing as Triple Jersey had included eight such homes "voluntarily".

       The Express has approached Triple Jersey via their agent, DPP Planning, and B&M for comment.