Controversial plans to build houses on land being sold for by the council for £1 have been approved despite substantial opposition.

Rochdale Council plan to sell the land, off Woodbine Street, near Oldham Road and Rochdale Canal, to housing association Great Places Housing Group, for just £1 in order to make the development viable.

This followed an appraisal by Great Places Housing Group that in the current market the development of the site was not economically viable because the cost of buying the land and construction would exceed the likely return in rent or sales.

The housing association wants to build 27 homes in a mixture of two, three, four and five bedroomed properties.

Nine houses would be for shared ownership, with the rest for affordable rent.

But opposition to the scheme was widespread and scathing, Rochdale Township Planning sub committee heard.

Michelle Taylor, of Woodbine Street, said: "Not one resident of Woodbine Street is in favour of this scheme.

"Road congestion is already bad.

"It's nearly impossible to get into Oldham Road and if Woodbine Street were opened up at the other end to traffic it could end up as a rat run.

"Traffic is a constant worry to us.

"We believe the plans were drawn up unfairly.

"This has nothing to do with the regeneration of the area.

"It should be used as a recreational area as our children have nowhere else to play."

Kingsway councillor David Clayton told the committee there had been a lack of consultation with people about the scheme.

He said people who knew Woodbine Street knew how dangerous it was in traffic terms.

He added: "I think this land should be used for recreation.

"There is not a single park in the area."

Ward colleague, Councillor Jean Ashworth, was even more outspoken.

She said: "This scheme has been flawed from the beginning to the end.

"The council can't want the land if they can sell it for £1.

"Residents should be able to put forward their ideas for that area."

Dave McCall, agent for Great Places Housing Group, said: "By putting up these houses it would improve security and safety in the area and such accommodation is desperately needed in the town."

Planners, who recommended approval, said the layout had been designed to enhance the positive aspects of the canal setting.

Gable walls fronting Woodbine Street would contain feature windows to provide interest and natural surveillance on to the street.

Police said they believed it would reduce opportunities for crime and the fear of crime.

Planners considered the design and layout was of a high standard responding to local needs, providing good living environments for future residents and the access and parking arrangements would be acceptable.

Councillors approved the application by votes five votes to four.