NEW student accommodation complete with 48 rooms and a gym look poised to be given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.

Proposals have been submitted by Whitelionco Ltd for the new six-storey building on the site of Nevada Motors in White Lion Brow, just off Spa Road.

The plans would see 48 bedrooms with en-suite facilities arranged into 11 “clusters”, including communal areas with kitchens and living rooms.

The ground floor would have a manager’s office, a bin store, laundry room and large internal secure bike store.

A private gym for use by residents would be on the fifth floor as well as access to an outside terrace.

The site is currently occupied by the single storey Nevada Motors building which would be demolished if planning consent is given.

Bolton Council’s planning committee is due to meet on Thursday, January 10, where members are recommended to approve the plans.

A report to the committee said: “Due to the location of the site, close to the university and town centre, this is a desirable and sustainable site for student accommodation.

“The building will provide high quality accommodation for the student market and internally the building has been tailored to meet that demand.

“The accommodation would not, however, be suitable for the general market and a condition will be placed on the planning permission.”

There has been one objection to the scheme from Paul Atkinson of nearby White Lion Court.

He claims the development would ruin his view and that allowing students so close to the Bolton Lads’ and Girls’ Club youth club in Spa Road would be “extremely irresponsible”.

In a letter to the planning committee, he said: “I strongly object to this build. I think it is extremely irresponsible that you would even consider building student accommodation facing the Lads’ and Girls’ Club where impressionable young children are seven days a week.

“I’m not saying that all students party — but I think it’s a common fact that a very large percentage of them do.“ He said he would move out if the plan went ahead.

In September last year luxury student accommodation opened at the site of the landmark Pack Horse Hotel in Nelson Square following a £3 million redevelopment.