PLANS have been unveiled for a block of 17 flats on a former bowling green at the back of a restaurant.

The two-bed apartments are proposed to be built on land to the rear of the Roka restaurant, Bradshaw Brow, Bolton.

A similar previous application was refused in 2019 over the access, design and a loss of trees.

Applicants Avantgarde said the new plans have 17 apartments rather than 18 and these are now to be built within one L-shaped ‘two and a half’ storey building, rather than in two, three storey buildings.

In a report to Bolton Council’s planning committee, who will decide on the application later this week, the applicant said that previous concerns about accessing the flats, which would be built on the former Royal Oak pub bowling green, had been addressed.

The report, states: “Access was previously proposed via Back Bradshaw Brow East, along the currently cobbled unadopted road to the park and arboretum, then through the stone wall to the north eastern corner of the

application site.

“Officers found that this proposed access was unacceptable, owing to the substandard width of the road, the lack of a passing bay, the lack of manoeuvrable space for refuse vehicles, and the encroachment of the proposed access road into the neighbouring local nature reserve at Bradshaw Valley and Longsight Park.

Access is now proposed via the restaurant car park, from the existing signal-controlled access onto Bradshaw.

The application says that changes also include the loss of fewer trees

Planning officers from the council said the main impacts of the proposal are the loss of the former bowling green and impacts on the highway, the character and appearance of the area and trees.

Car parking spaces for 22 vehicles is proposed,

The Friends of Longsight park have strongly opposed the plans citing pollution and traffic problems that the development could cause, as well as a danger to wildlife.

Twenty-two letters of objection have been received, which included concerns that the junction of Bradshaw Brow with Turton Road is already very busy, there is insufficient space for refuse vehicles to enter and leave the site,

loss of privacy for neighbouring residents, a loss of trees and the loss of green space.

There were also concerns that the proposed access will run over and replace the existing well used pedestrian access to the Upper Bradshaw Valley Local Nature Reserve and Arboretum.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the plans, subject to conditions.