Plans to build an apartment block at the back of a restaurant have been rejected because developers 'failed to make a reasonable contribution' of cash to the community.

Bolton’s planning committee rejected plans for 17 two-bedroom apartments at the rear of the Roka Restaurant in Bradshaw.

The application also included 22 car parking spaces.

Plans for 17 apartments on former Bolton pub bowling green

Cllr Mudasir Dean said: “I’m aware of the fact that there has been an increase in the costs of the last six months to a year and even beyond.

"But, going from such a substantial amount to nothing, is unacceptable and is just opening the door and inviting tither developers to do the same as others have done in the past.

“I wished they were here so we could ask them why or ask them to make a substantially better offer than what they’ve put on the table so since they’re not here, I’m going to refuse.”

The application was first considered at the planning committee in February 2021, when Members voted to delegate the decision to the director to secure the provision of the Section 106 Agreement. 

This included £135,477 towards affordable housing, £4,515.90 towards education, £10,537.10 towards open space and play provision, and £3,500 plus VAT towards the required modification of the staging of the traffic lights at the junction of the proposed access with Bradshaw Brow and Turton Road.

Initially, the applicant demonstrated that the development would not be viable if full contributions were sought.

It was however found, following a review by the Council’s viability consultee, that the development could support a contribution of £150,530.

But since then, the applicant submitted a new report showing costs of materials had risen and therefore there was nothing more they could do and retracted any support and contributions they could give.

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The agreed contributions, with the exception of the mandatory £3,500 plus VAT towards the traffic light improvements, were already a reduction to the required contributions for a normal 17 apartment scheme.

Cllr Dean  called for the plans to be refused as he said that despite high material costs, the applicant should at least have offered something.