A FORMER farm which has proved a magnet for vandals will be transformed into a small housing development.

The go ahead was given to Thomas England Ltd to build four properties on the land of Meadow Farm on Lowercroft Road.

A farm house will be converted into two properties and a barn into two properties.

Bury Times:

Patrick Seed, a director of the company, said: " The property has been vacant for just over 12 months during this time it has been subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"Most recently part of the site was damaged by fire it was started deliberately and required six fire engines.

"Our proposals seek to bring back in to life a redundant farm house and barn buildings, we intend to retain the existing building structures and the character of the farm house to make good size family homes suitable for modern living,

"We have reduced the scheme from its original design proposals as suggested by the planning officer.

"All the redundant outbuildings on the site are to be demolished."

Bury Times:

There will also be hedge and tree planting along with a clean-up of a pond.

The application was moved in accordance with officers' recommendations.