Residents are delighted after proposed plans for a new development on their estate have been rejected.

People living in Grizedale Close, Smithills, set up Grizedale Residents Ecological Environmental Action Team after proposals were submitted by Watson Homes to demolish a bungalow and create eight houses and a four-storey block of 36 apartments on the estate.

But after objections and careful considerations of the plans, the scheme has been rejected.

Last month residents came together to protest the plans, stating they are not in-keeping with the estate and the new builds will impact neighbours and wildlife in the area.

They feared two bungalows would be demolished although the plans stipulate it is just one and they put their concerns to Bolton West MP Chris Green at a protest meeting.

Now, the plans have been rejected and residents are pleased, but they are concerned this objection isn't the end of the matter.

Bridget Martin, a spokesperson, said: “Everyone has worked so hard to achieve this fantastic result, but we continue to worry about what happens next as the developers are unlikely to give up. We were so impressed by the effort the councillors had put into examining this application.

“It was obvious they had carefully studied all the issues and had noted our objections as they asked many searching questions before reaching their unanimous conclusion: refused. On behalf of the group, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.”