A homeowner is not allowed to replace a number of rotten windows at his home after a decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

Phillip Collier applied to replace some wooden windows with some UPVC windows at his home on Ashworth Lane last year.

The council refused the application on the basis of its impact on the house – which is part of a Grade-II listed terrace – and on the area, which is in the Bank Top Conservation Area.

Mr Collier appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against the decision of the council arguing the UPVC windows are not visible and there are UPVC windows elsewhere in the area.

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But he is not allowed to replace the rotten windows after the inspector, Debbie Moore, came to the same decision as the council in a ruling published last month.

Ms Moore's ruling reads: "The special interest of the listed building is derived from the simplicity of its architecture. 

"The traditional windows make an important contribution to the value of the listed building and the Conservation Area. 

The Bolton News: Windows at the home on Ashworth Lane

"I saw many of the windows within the Conservation Area were altered, but the majority of these windows were timber. 

"The UPVC windows I saw, including on Lupus Street, stood out as uncharacteristic alterations due to the nature of the modern material used."

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The buildings in the Bank Top Conservation Area date back to the 1800s, when Henry Ashworth established a village for the workers at cotton mills Eagley Mills. There were dozens of cottages, a library, a school and some shops but no inn within a mile of the village, in accordance with Mr Ashworth's links to The Quakers.

The community was absorbed into Astley Bridge, then into Bolton, but it maintained an identity of its own into the 20th century.

Ms Moore's ruling reads: "The proposal would fail to preserve the special interest of the listed building and the character and appearance of the Bank Top Conservation Area. 

"For the above reasons and having regard to all the other matters raised I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed," it adds.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.