PLANS for lorry parking and offices have been slammed ­— after it was claimed building work has already begun.

Armstrongs Aggregates Ltd wants to move its HGV parking, along with maintenance and administrative offices from the current location at the Loco Works off Chorley New Road, Horwich, to a site in between the Montcliffe and Pilkington quarries.

A spokesman for the firm said refusal would put 200 jobs at risk. The group is moving from its former site at Horwich Loco Works to make way for affordable housing.

But the proposals were criticised a Horwich Town Council planning committee meeting last week.

Horwich North East councillor Richard Silvester said: “They have already constructed office buildings, and put down hardstandings for HGV parking and wash areas.

“It shows complete lack of responsibility and consideration by the company towards the Horwich community.

“They have ridden roughshod over the planning process by carrying out the construction of such buildings and hardstanding.

“In February 2003, a similar planning application at the same location was refused by Bolton Council for the erection of an HGV maintenance workshop by virtue of its siting, size and design because it would represent inappropriate development in the green belt.

“I believe the same reasons for refusal should apply to this planning application."

Horwich Town Councillor, David Grant, added: "Horwich Town Councillors are always concerned when anyone knowingly flout the rules and apply retrospectively. There are of course occasions where circumstances dictate the need for retrospective permission.

"However, it is surprising and disappointing that a large company such as Armstrong's could have overlooked the legal requirement for planning permission before building such a large structure. 

"As seen at Grundy Fold, the expectation a retrospective application will sail through is a dangerous and foolhardy expectation.

"The planning process is a two-way process, giving the applicant and Planning Officers the opportunity to discuss, agree, submit and approve an application that meets planning policies before any construction takes place.

"There were a number of issues that councillors raised at the meeting besides the retrospective nature of this application which concerned issues such as increased traffic on minor roads, pollution to the surrounding areas and safety concerns.

"We hope that Bolton Council planning officers and committee will agree with us and not cave to pressure from Armstrong's and show consistency with regards to policy."

A spokesman for the planning agent, The Mineral Planning Group, said: “The development replaces the HGV capacity and the facilities formerly located at the Loco Works on Chorley New Road, without which 200 local jobs would be in jeopardy.

“The Loco Works facility was vacated by Armstrongs Aggregates to make way for a Homes England affordable housing development.

“The buildings are located largely upon the footprint of existing quarry buildings and offices, or, are extensions to the original buildings themselves.

"We aren’t aware of what was said at the meeting and the councillor is wholly entitled to his opinions but the application will be determined on its merits.”

The retrospective plans have been recommended for refusal by Horwich Town Council.

Bolton Council will make the final decision at a later date.