PLANS to build houses on two protected sites in the countryside have been thrown out by the council.

An application to build up to five residential dwellings on land off Dunscar Fold in Egerton was not granted permission because town hall planners said it would be "inappropriate" development within the green belt.

They also said that the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area.

Elsewhere, plans to demolish existing buildings to make way for two detached houses in Westhoughton were also thrown out.

The development at Poplars Farm in Wingates Lane was also deemed to be "inappropriate" and protected species would be at risk, planners said.