Four planning developments in Bolton to be decided this week

Councillors will vote on these applications at Thursday's meeting in the town hall which takes place at 2pm in the council chambers.

The monthly meeting will feature plans from across the borough including Westhoughton, Ladybridge and Daubhill.

Here are the four proposals that will be discussed.

Raised bungalow in Sandray Close, Ladybridge

Plans to extend a bungalow will be discussed by the committee this week at the request of Heaton and Lostock councillor Andy Morgan.

Objectors say allowing this extension at Sandray Close would set a precedent and result in similar developments taking place in the area.

Cllr Morgan said: “All the houses on that road are bungalows. We’re trying to protect the precedent. Once one goes it’s very difficult to stop others.”

The plans by SHWilkinson Architects have been changed following conversations with council representatives.

The agent hopes the new and “more sympathetic” design addresses the concerns.

Managing director Scott Wilkinson said: “As a locally-based practice we are becoming more aware of the need to meet a demanding housing market where there is a shortfall in suitably sized family homes.

“As the completion of new properties is not meeting the current demand we are seeing an increasing trend of clients looking to adapt and extend their existing homes to meet their growing needs.”

Councillors will visit the site before making a decision.

Retaining wall at Pennine View, Chorley Road, Westhoughton

A retaining wall on the edge of the Westhoughton development which can be “seen from the moon”, according to neighbours, could become a permanent fixture if councillors pass new plans this week.

The 1.5-metre wall backing onto a farm was built when construction of the 12 five-bedroom houses started, but it did not feature in the original plans.

Cllr Christine Wild, who described the wall as “incongruous”, asked for the application to be discussed at the meeting.

The Westhoughton councillor is hoping the developer will be “sensible” and put greenery or cladding on the walls.

She said: "It's been a bit of an issue with residents. We try to resolve [the issues] all amicably".

The precise plans will be revealed at the committee but its current appearance is "out of character" with the "urban fringe location", according to a council report.

A total of nine houses at “Pennine View” have been sold by Oak Tree Developments so far.

Managing director David Lloyd said the landscaping scheme for the gated housing development in Chorley Road has been agreed.

The company is looking at planting hedgerows and trees to cover the contentious wall at the northern boundary.

Fences and gates at Hulton Lane Playing Fields, Edge Hill, Daubhill

Councillors will vote on plans to erect a protective fence around changing rooms and toilets at Hulton Lane Playing Fields after vandals set the building on fire two years ago.

Arsonists badly damaged new football changing rooms opened as part of an £820,000 park development.

A wheelie bin was set on fire and pushed next to the changing rooms at 4am in July 2017.

The facilities were only recently installed along with new pitches, a playing area and multi-use playing field for a variety of sports ready for the start of the football season.

One of the blocks required refurbishment before it came back into use.

New café and kitchen at Heaton Fold Garden Centre, Overdale Drive, Bolton

Plans for a new café and kitchen at Heaton Fold Garden Centre are also set to be passed following a £100,00 investment from the council.

This will increase the income stream of the council-owned garden centre, according to a report by director of place Gerry Brough.

Adults with learning disabilities who are referred to the centre through adult services undertake a range of work-related tasks and activities at the centre.

The café was refurbished in 2014 when three sisters, Jo Burrage, Margaret Porritt and Janet Maguire – who run 3 Quirky Birdz Catering – took over.

Under the new plan, the existing marquee will be moved to a new location on site to allow for a new modular building.