MUSLIM leaders have resubmitted scaled down plans for an Islamic college on Green Belt land at Westhoughton.

But councillors say the latest plans are still unacceptable.

Leaders at the Institute of Higher Islamic Education, based in Bromley Cross, have sent new plans for a college and sports facilities on Ormston's Farm, Wingates Lane, at Westhoughton.

They withdrew proposals for a huge two-storey college, complete with towering minarets, just hours before it was due to be considered by a planning committee in April.

Opponents said the £7million scheme would cause traffic chaos, alter views across Westhoughton to picturesque moors above Horwich and set a dangerous precedent for building on Green Belt land.

The new plans have dramatically reduced the area of land the building will cover and removed the minarets -- but councillors are still unhappy.

"Nothing has changed in that this is still Green Belt land and we would oppose development for any use, educational or otherwise," said Cllr Jim Gilfillan.

If the plans are blocked again, the college could opt to stay at the former Blair Hospital, Hospital Road, where they have submitted plans for improvements.

Remaining there would scupper the plans of developers who have permission to build around 60 apartments.

Cllr Gilfillan added: "I can't see any justification for building on the land, especially when we have just introduced a traffic calming scheme to the area because of problems.

"I still don't think they are looking at the right site."

Either site would be home to around 400 boarding students who study Islam along with other academic subjects.