A scheme to demolish an old vicarage and build five new houses in its place is likely to be refused, representatives say.

The plan would have seen the old Daisy Hill Vicarage on Turner Street in Westhoughton demolished to make way for the new houses with improvements to the street.

But concerns have been raised about the height and design of the building as well as the impact on neighbours.

Cllr David Wilkinson, of Westhoughton South, said: “We’ve had a few messages about it, mostly from people who are pleased its going to be recommended for refusal.

“But they’re well aware that it could come back, it doesn’t mean it’s dead, the applicants could appeal, there could be resubmissions.”

Five new houses had been plannedFive new houses had been planned (Image: JDA)

He added: “And of course with the change of government we’re going to be seeing a lot more plans go through with a nod and a wink!”

Cllr Wilkinson said he had been told by council officers that they intend to refuse the scheme.

The plan was first put before Bolton Council on Monday, July 29 this year and would have built five detached family homes on the site.

The developers had said that area would have been well suited to housing.

A design and access statement said: “The area benefits from being a sustainable location in terms of accessibility, with excellent road, rail and bus links.

“Daisy Hill and Westhoughton train station located nearby has regular train links both locally and nationally and links the area to Manchester, Leeds, Southport, Wigan, and Bolton.

ALSO READ: Green light given for 'final new homes' on major development

ALSO READ: Latest stage of housing plan lodged amid calls for 'full on bypass'

ALSO READ: Developer's bid to delay new road at major housing site hits objections

“The site has local access to the M61 motorway, which is the major link between Manchester and Preston, the M60 and the M6.”

But Westhoughton Town Council had raised concerns about the large number of objections from people living nearby and the potential impact on light and privacy.

They also said they were concerned about the lack of parking spaces and about the design not being in keeping with the rest of the area.

Westhoughton Town Council said that they also felt that the road leading up to the site would cause problems because it is used by farm vehicles to access a farm at the end of the track.