A SENIOR Bolton Council officer has been granted permission to build a detached house in the grounds of his Bromley Cross bungalow, despite objections from neighbours.

The council's director of environmental services, Alan Fisher, applied to build the property in the grounds of Dayspring, which currently include a swimming pool.

Outline planning permission to build the house was granted in 2003 and the latest hearing approved the final designs for the building.

The application attracted more than 40 letters of objection and Bolton Council planning and highways committee member Cllr David Wilkinson dubbed the bungalow "probably the most hideous" he had ever seen.

Mr Fisher has also been given permission to demolish his bungalow, on Shady Lane, Bromley Cross, and build five detached homes on the land.

The committee approved the latest scheme after hearing from planning consultant Tony Whitehead, who spoke on Mr Fisher's behalf.

He said his client had listened to residents in proposing a traditional two-storey house. Plans to include a garage which could have affected trees have been deleted.

The council had received four letters of objection opposing the application.

Ian Swift, of Grangewood, said the house would be "out of character" and "overbearing".

He added that the site was home to birds, small mammals and bats whose habitat would be lost and that the new home would add to drainage problems in the area.

Nigel Tinker, of Grangewood, added that beech, holly and wych elm trees had been lost, meaning his privacy would be invaded.

The council planning report admitted that trees had been lost as a result of recent storms and said that new trees would be planted.

Planning officer Oliver West concluded: "This proposal has been the subject of significant negotiation and change that has resulted in an improved scheme. The proposals are for a reasonably designed dwelling that does not cause significant harm to its surrounding."

Mr Fisher was not available for comment.