A DECISION over whether to build 178 homes on a disused industrial works in Little Lever has been passed to Bolton Council's director of planning.

Wilson Connolly/Allyson Limited applied to build 48 apartments and 130 homes on the site of Springside Works and Lorival Plastics, on land off William Street.

The three apartment blocks would be situated near the High Street with vehicle access. Parking, landscaping, the retention of various trees in Masefield Road, a footpath link and the widening of Lord Street will also be included.

Some councillors yesterday expressed reservations about the plan and said they were not happy about the road layout and the decontamination of the site.

Eight residents also opposed the plans on the grounds of increased traffic, the affect on parking and potential noise from the new development.

Kearsley Councillor Bill Collison said: "I see this as a very tight site for new houses. I am really concerned about the layout of this infrastructure around this site."

But other councillors said the plans would revitalise that particular part of Little Lever.

Tonge Councillor Nick Peel said: "This is a massive regeneration project for people in this part of Little Lever. It will remove the industrial wasteland surrounding people's homes. This is a great opportunity to tidy up this part of Little Lever."

Councillors voted to delegate the decision to the director of planning once issues surrounding the road layout and plans to decontaminate the site were resolved.