THIRTY flats could be on their way to Leigh as developers set their sights on London Road.

Emex International has applied for outline planning permission to demolish the current commercial car sales business, and replace it with 30 flats.

The site is in London Road, on the corner of Darlinghurst Grove and would also include one retail unit with associated parking.

The flats would be made up of two blocks of part two, part three, and part four storey buildings.

They would consist of five one bed flats, seven two bed flats, 12, three bed flats and six, four bed flats. Planning documents read: “Socially the development will provide much-needed housing.

“The application site is shabby and in need of comprehensive regeneration to give it a place in an important street scene.

“Economically, the proposal increases the value of the site, raising the profile of the area. It also generates employment during the construction period. Additional dwellings increase visits to local shops and services, contributing to their ongoing vitality and viability.”

The current application is an amendment to a recently refused scheme for 38 flats. The reasons for refusal included the height, bulk and position with concerns of loss of privacy for other properties and the dwelling mix – it was predominantly two bed units.

While many accept that there is a need for more housing in the area, residents do have concerns. Matt Evans, 36, from Leigh, said: “There is no denying that more housing is necessary and the government is telling council’s they have to build but I think four stories is a bit much.”

Leigh Councillor Caroline Parker, said: “I don’t think anything in London Road should be over three floors. The higher they go, the more people there are and the infrastructure can’t cope.”