A popular pub is approaching the end of an era after the approval of a planning application.

The Cotton Tree is closing after around 60 years after plans by The Nest Nursery were given the green light.

The award-winning nursery for those with special educational needs is at a site in Heaton but it is in need of this site, in Halliwell, to accommodate more and more pre-schoolers who are not able to be accommodated in other nurseries.

Owner Sophie Hutton said some pre-schoolers were waiting for around a year-and-a-half for one of around a dozen places at The Nest Nursery.

Ms Hutton said she wants the work on the popular pub to be between now and the New Year.

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Ms Hutton said: "It was stressful on all sides so we are happy to have the application approved."

Bolton CAMRA and two residents were against the application as a result of the loss of the pub and other problems including anti-social behaviour.

Bolton Council, however, agreed with the applicant who argued the loss of the pub was acceptable in light of the presence of other pubs in the area.

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The application said: "Whilst this proposal will result in the loss of the pub, it is not considered that this will reduce the community's ability to meet its day-to day needs as required by the National Planning Policy Framework on the basis that there are other pubs in proximity to the application site e.g. The Royal Hotel on Vernon Street and the other pubs within the town centre."

Ms Hutton said: "We are sad for all of the community around The Cotton Tree and their stories were heartwarming. We hope though they'll understand what we are trying to do for another community who are in need."

The award-winning nursery for those with Special Educational Needs won the Early Years Provision Award the Bolton News Education Awards last year and the Inclusive Practice Award at the Nursery World Awards in 2022.

The Bolton News asked The Cotton Tree for a comment.

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