NEW student accommodation looks set to be built on derelict land in the centre of Bolton — despite objections from the University of Bolton.

Developers will be told today whether they have permission to build a seven-storey building on empty wasteland in Great Moor Street next to the Balmoral pub.

The application, which council planning officers are asking councillors to approve, will see 41 student cluster flats built with 140 bedrooms.

But in a letter sent to the Bolton Council, Derek Rout, head of facilities management at the university, said he did not believe the town needed more student accommodation and warned it could lead to more traffic.

He said: “The increased traffic pollution created by accommodation users, guests and deliveries arriving and departing the accommodation and retail facility will clearly impact on the local area.

“The university would also raise concerns regarding the accessibility to the location and the surrounding area for essential emergency services which will greatly impact upon the wider community.

“While the university acknowledges a choice of accommodation for our students is beneficial we do not believe there is demand for further private halls of residence in Bolton.”

He added that more than half of students at the university live in their own homes, while 28 per cent live with their parents.

Developers Realgroup UK said in their statement that the plans would breathe new life into a "very run down" part of the town centre.

The firm said: "Many of the surrounding buildings around the site are of a derelict nature.

“On the opposite corner of the road on the corner of Great Moor Street and Bradshawgate lies the old Buffet King which, along with the site’s neighbouring buildings, contributes to what appears to be a very run down part of the town centre.

“With new development in the area, this will positively contribute towards the attraction of the location, bringing with it people, and reason for more development.

“With a mixed use scheme, the retail and leisure units that will be proposed on the ground floor will animate the street, and create use within the area.”

Councillors will vote on the planning application at Thursday's meeting of the planning committee at Bolton Town Hall.

A university spokesman said: "Such planning matters are reserved for the local authority to deal with.

"The University of Bolton is successfully recruiting students and enhancing the town of Bolton."