COUNCILLORS have objected to plans for 12 homes to be built in Westhougton.

Simon Morris, of Deluxe Architecture, has applied to Bolton Council for permission to demolish two houses in Chorley Road near the junction with St John's Avenue and build 12 five-bedroom houses in their place.

Westhoughton Town Council voted at a Westhoughton Town Hall meeting tonight to recommend that the application be refused.

Bolton Council will take that view into account when it makes the final decision in the next few weeks.

At the meeting, Cllr Jack Speight said: "It's in the green belt and there will be an impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

"Judging by the highways report, there would have to be some alterations (to the road to allow access).

"If we're talking about 12 houses, there could be 60 cars going in and out of there daily.

"I think it is overdevelopment."

Cllr David Wilkinson added: "I don't think it's a very good location for vehicle access.

"Chorley Road is not a brilliant road to be coming in and out of."

Cllr David Chadwick made reference to a road traffic crash in June, which led to the death of town stalwart, Harold Daniels, aged 82.

"The accident led to the death of a man who was very popular in Westhoughton and the last thing we want to do is make that road even more hazardous than it already is," said Cllr Chadwick.

Cllr Gill Williams said she had sympathy with those who are against the application, but believed there was no planning reason to recommend refusal, other than horticultural concerns.

She said: "I would love to recommend refusal, but think it will get passed (by Bolton Council)."

A report sent on behalf of Mr Morris to the council said: "The scheme aims to provide a much-needed injection of residential properties and responds sympathetically to the local vernacular."

It added that a civil engineer would work with Bolton Council to ensure a highway access plan was agreed.