Area outside hospital gates 'blighted by drug taking and prostitution' as flat plans thrown out

Plans for blocks of ‘shared living’ flats close to Royal Bolton Hospital have been thrown out with opponents saying it would add to problems of ‘drug taking and prostitution’ in the area.

The application for two-four storey buildings and a three-storey block of flats to house around 106 people to be built at the land plot on Minerva Road, Farnworth, near the entrance to the NHS site, was refused by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

The format buildings was to accommodate 106 people in 18 multiple-occupancy five-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom apartments.

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A letter was received by the council from the director of finance at the hospital trust stating they did not object to the development and they would consider using the development to accommodate hospital staff.

But objections were received from 40 neighbours to the proposed development.

A previous, similar proposal was also rejected last July.

An objector, Peter Brabin told the meeting: “We don’t think this development should be built outside the hospital main entrance.

“There are already enough problems near the hospital, the police are there all day.

“It’s becoming a deprived area. I’ve lived in the area for 70-odd years and I’ve seen it go downhill.

“I’m also a volunteer who cleans up around the area and know exactly what it’s like.

“This development will add nothing it will just go worse.

“We already have problems with drug taking, gas sniffing, prostitution, harassment, fly tipping and litter.

“That’s outside the hospital gates. Would the planning committee allow a building like this in Egerton or Bromley Cross?

“No, I don’t think so, why should we have it?”

Paul Sedgwick spoke in