Dozens attended a meeting out of concern over a plan for an apartment block in Smithills.

The applicant, Imtiaz Zarin, applied for planning permission for the development last year.

The plan for an apartment block at the junction of Chorley Old Road and New Barn Street, on land which is classed as brownfield land, includes 26 one-bedroom studios.

Previously Mr Zarin applied for planning permission for a development with four commercial units and 18 one-bedroom studios but this application was withdrawn in 2022. 

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On Friday, dozens attended a meeting out of concern over problems such as parking provision and the overdevelopment of the site.

Those in attendance included a Lib Dem councillor for the area, Roger Hayes, and the Conservative MP for the area, Chris Green.

The Bolton News: An illustration of the plan

Cllr Hayes told The Bolton News: "I think this is going to cause problems. There is no parking provision and the area is very tight for parking, very tight for parking indeed.

"I think it is an overdevelopment of the site. It is reasonable for housing but an apartment block with 26 flats in it is too big. I'll be speaking at the planning committee if it comes to the planning committee."

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Mr Green told The Bolton News: "It is clear this is unsuitable for the area.

"The parking is already a problem and 26 flats without any more parking would make the problem worse. On these grounds I submitted my objection to the council and I urge residents to do the same."

The Bolton News: An illustration of the plan

The application addresses these concerns and calls on the council to approve the development.

It said: "The development would provide additional housing in a sustainable location. The design is acceptable and it respects the appearance and character of the area. There are no adverse impact upon amenity nor highway safety.

"The proposal complies with both local planning policy and national planning policy. The applicant looks to work with the Local Planning Authority [Bolton Council] and looks forward to positive discussions regarding the scheme."

A consultation is open on the Bolton Council planning portal and the deadline for a decision by the authorities is on April 16.

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