LATCHFORD residents angered by a lack of co-operation from the council over potential plans to develop the site of a disused railway link are pleading for more information.

No planning application has been received for the site, north of Station Road, but the council has received a request for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) 'scoping opinion' of the area.

The proposal is for mixed use construction, incorporating residential development of up to 280 properties.

According to planning documents, Emery Planning requested a 'formal scoping opinion' of the area on behalf of its client, ADS Estates Ltd, on March 24.

But 'disgusted' nearby residents have hit out at the council for not being 'informed' about plans.

Fears have also been raised over damage to wildlife, as well as the demolition of tress.

Cllr Steve Wright (LAB - Latchford East) said: "There are a lot of concerns and fears from residents in the area.

"The big concern for people is the fact of not knowing what will happen to the land."

Greater Manchester's Ecology Unit has also raised potential problems and urged for precautions to be taken.

Mandy Elford, ecologist for the unit, said: "The initial ecological assessment of the site identified it to be of considerable value to the local area as a wildlife corridor.

"There is a risk that the development will impact the local wildlife site by affecting movement of species along the corridor.

"We would therefore recommend that the ecology chapter of the EIA addresses the wildlife corridor, bats, badgers breeding birds, amphibians, reptiles and invasive species, as well as including a general habitat assessment of the site.

"The EIA should include full ecological surveys undertaken to an appropriate standard, fully assess the impact of the proposals on the identified features and provide full details of any mitigation or compensation measures."

A council spokesman added: "EIA scoping opinions are completed in advance of planning applications being submitted and the council will send the results of this back to the applicant.

"If a planning application and associated EIA for this location is received, residents will be informed and we would welcome comments on it as part of the usual planning process."

A scoping opinion of the site has been issued.