More than 1,000 people object to four-storey block of flats plan previously thrown out by councillors

More than 1,000 people have objected and an MP has complained after a developer resubmitted plans for a block of flats and homes on green land. Last November, Bolton Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected proposals by Watson Homes to build a block of 35 flats and eight houses on land off Grizedale Close, Smithills.

The reasons given were that the four storey apartment building’s siting, height, scale and appearance along with loss of trees and hedgerows would cause ‘harm to the character and appearance of the area’. Councillors also cited issues with internal space standards for the proposed apartments and substandard access and highway safety.

Watson Homes have resubmitted plans for the development with ‘minor amendments’ and council officers now say all apartments now meet the nationally described space standards and the eight houses are now proposed to be market houses rather than affordable units. As well as submitting the new planning application, Watson Homes has also appealed against the refusal of the previous application.

Read more:Body found in River Irwell near Bury town centre

The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the appeal but has not set a date to hear it. Bolton’s planning committee will consider the application at a meeting on Thursday.

Council officers have recommended approval of the scheme.

A report put before the committee, said: “Officers still consider that whilst the proposed four storey apartment building will be larger in height and scale than neighbouring residential properties, its presence would not be to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area. While there will still be considerable trees loss, these will be mainly lost from the centre of the site, with