A new vehicle repair garage could be built on vacant land which has been branded an 'eyesore'.
The space off Back Tonge Moor Road has been empty for many years, prompting fears that it could become a magnet for fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.
But a new plan put before Bolton Council could see a two-storey vehicle repair garage built over the land.
Cllr Emily Mort, of Tonge with the Haulgh, said: “The land was previously used as a garage and when we’ve been out and about in the ward it looks like an eyesore.
“For us, it’s developing brownfield land so I don’t see any issue with it.
“It could create jobs, help the economy and provide a useful service for people.”
She added: “From looking at it, it seems to be the proper distance from houses nearby and we’re always looking to promote local businesses.”
The plans will see a brick built garage created on the site, next to an already existing car garage.
Urban Future Planning Consultancy, which drew up the plans, claimed that this would be a far more effective use of the land than leaving it empty.
A statement said: “Moreover, permitting the proposal is likely to result in job creation for local people, something which ought to be welcomed in Bolton, where unemployment is above the national average and rising.
“Proposals such as this, which provide a new place of work, accommodation and consequently additional jobs ought to be looked upon favourably in towns such as Bolton with higher-than-average levels of unemployment and welfare dependency and it is within this context that the application ought to be considered.”
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The company said that a new business would also help create more income through paying rates in Bolton.
Council leader Cllr Nick Peel, who also represents Tonge with the Haulgh, said that he also felt the change would be a positive move.
He said: “It’s developed into a bit of an eyesore at the moment so any improvement at all would be welcome.”
The planning department will decide whether or not to approve the plans at a later date.
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