CHILDREN are to get new play facilities under a scheme to build 33 affordable homes on wasteland.

St Vincent's Housing Association is to put up four three-storey blocks of apartments and 21 houses on land between Bradford Road, Crescent Road and Sadler Street, Great Lever.

Parking for 48 cars will be included on the site, where 98 council flats were demolished two years ago.

But the plan will only be approved if the housing association agrees to pay £41,547 towards children's play provision and healthcare in the borough.

More than £35,000 of that will go towards creating a new play area for children or improving an existing park.

Police and residents had raised concerns about increased traffic and parking problems but Bolton Council highway engineers did not object to the scheme. In her report to councillors, planning officer Helen Williams said: "The proposal will result in the regeneration of a key site within Great Lever and will provide a high-quality residential scheme for the benefit of future residents."

The flats will form an arc facing the junction of Bradford Road and Crescent Road. The houses will be built on two storeys, some with attic rooms.

Councillors decided to tear down the sheltered accommodation flats in 2005 after maintenance costs soared.

Only 40 of the 1960s flats had been occupied and renovations would have cost more than £1 million.

Councillors approved a recommendation to delegate the final decision on whether the scheme is approved to its officers to ensure the developer commits to providing the cash for children's play and health.

Residents will be consulted on how to spend the money.