THE green light has been given for a development scheme on an eyesore site in Partington.

Under the plan the decaying former Greyhound pub will be demolished and replaced with a three-storey block of 24 flats.

The former pub, above, has been vacant and boarded up since 1995 and there have been repeated calls from Partington residents and councillors for action to be taken to transform the Manchester Road site.

But, despite this, both Partington Town Council and Positive Partington objected to the scheme.

They claimed the three-storey development would be too overbearing and not fit in with the area.

They said a low-level development was required, and the scheme should be refused, as a similar one was two years ago.

But planning committee vice chairman, Cllr John Reilly, disagreed with the Partington groups.

He said: "This is a prominent building but it is on a prominent site. I think Positiive Partington could be a little more positive."

Cllr Phil Gratrix added: "I think this is great and will really look good and be popular.

"It will hopefully be the start of a renaissance for Partington."

Cllr Laurence Walsh supported the objectors. He said: "I agree with everything Positive Partington has saidI feel three storeys is too much and won't sit well in that location."

Despite Cllr Walsh's opposition, the planning committee approved the scheme.