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The 17.3-acre site off St Mary's Road is in an existing residential area with car parking surrounded by an 8ft high fence with four entrances from St Mary's Road and a railway line to the rear.

The factory was formerly used by Feranti and more recently by Tetrosyl who used chemicals to make products for cars. The site is now vacant.

A planning application has been submitted by PE Jones Contractors to build 300 homes with a play area and equipment to cater for the large numbers of children who would be expected to live there.

Outline permission has been granted for residential properties but no details of the design, layout or the type of housing have been agreed.

Planning chiefs have indicated that detailed planning permission will depend on the levels of built-in security proposed for the housing estate and the mix of housing to meet the needs of single people, couples and families.

Conditions will also be attached which will require the developers to pay for a survey of existing trees along the frontage to St Mary's Road and to preserve the most health specimens.

In a report to Manchester city Council's planning committee councillors were told: "This is an extensive site currently with a lawful use for industrial purposes. The site is vacant and is in close proximity to existing residential developments.

"The proposed use would accord with the predominant use surrounding the site and is considered to be acceptable."