Controversial plans for a £10m housing development on green land are set to be rejected by the council, it can be revealed.

Proposals submitted in March by Eccleston Homes Limited to build 78 houses in a three-hectare site off Lever Park Avenue, close to the River Douglas, known locally as the 'Llama fields', have been met with criticism from local councillors and residents.

However, it has now been revealed by ward councillor and Bolton Council's shadow member for strategic housing and planning, cllr Richard Silvester, and in a post on Horwich and Blackrod First's Facebook group, that these plans are set to be refused by the council at the end of the month.

Cllr Silvester believes the reason that will be given for the plans being rejected will be because they would spoil the appearance and open, green, nature of the area, ruining its character.

Cllr Silvester continued: "I am absolutely delighted that this planning application will be refused. I objected to it and was firmly against this much loved area of Horwich being developed on.

"I believe the proposals would cause substantial visual harm to the landscape of the area and spoil the character and appearance of the area, and the openness of this protected open space land.

"I agreed with the planning officer that if she was minded to refuse the application that she does so under delegated powers, which she is now going to do so I am very pleased that my work with the planning department has brought about the right outcome."

Refusing an application under delegated powers means it does not need to go before the council's planning committee, with the rejection set to happen by the end of this month.

Residents had been concerned that the plans would be pushed through amid the coronavirus, however, this was quickly picked up upon by councillors who are against the plans.

The planning agent, Lichfields, has been approached for a comment.