AN extra parking deck is to be built at Radcliffe Metrolink station - partly to accommodate Bolton commuters.

Councillors approved the extension despite concerns from residents about increased traffic caused by commuters travelling into the town to park and ride.

During the meeting of Bury Council’s planning committee one of the reasons given for increasing the capacity was that many commuters who live more than five miles away drive into Radcliffe to use Metrolink. Tram travellers from Bolton were cited during the meeting as some of these.

The scheme will mean a second deck built on top of the existing structure. This will provide 120 extra spaces bringing the overall capacity up to 480 spaces.

Karen Pitt, who opposed the plans, said: "Radcliffe has already had 122 spaces added. Why Radcliffe again, not others? If this is passed Radcliffe will be the largest park and ride on the network.

“How can TfGM find it justifiable to put their largest car park in a residential area and on a single flow minor road?

“The site is directly opposite the leisure centre and the site for the proposed school all this traffic is filtering off Spring Lane.”

Cllr Mike Smith also objected to the plans, saying the application did not take account of an outline planning for 400 nearby houses and a proposed academy school for 600 pupils.

He believed the adverse effects of the extended car park would outweigh any benefits.

Caroline Bentley, from TfGM, said: “We need world-class connections this supports our ambitions. We recognise that Bury Council has ambitions and  plans for the regeneration of Radcliffe and this proposal recognises that.”

The stations will stay open throughout the construction work.

Bosses at TfGM says  the development of Radcliffe and the nearby Whitefield stop are the first in a number of expansions being explored for park and ride schemes.

The planning committee approved the Radcliffe plan by a majority of eight to three.