THE owners of the site of Bolton's former greyhound stadium have renewed a bid to transform it into a major shopping complex.

The group of local businessmen have asked to renew an outline planning application granted for the project three years ago.

If they are successful, they aim to move ahead with a scheme which will feature a health club, a DIY store and a car showroom on the site in Burnden near the former Wanderers ground.

Since the greyhound stadium closed in December 1996 and was demolished, a number of schemes have been put forward for the site.

The most ambitious was a £13 million leisure development which included a multi-screen cinema.

Planning permission for the latest scheme expires in May but, if the bid to extend the application is successful, the group would be given another three years to submit detailed proposals to Bolton Council's planning committee.

The group's agent, John MacKenzie, said this would allow them time to finalise arrangements with a number of businesses interested in running the health club and car showroom.

He said: "This is an exciting development for Bolton. We want the site to be developed in a comprehensive fashion. It is a major gateway into the town which projects a very high outwards appearance and is an exciting opportunity to lift the profile of the area."

Burnden councillor Prentice Howarth, who is also head of the planning committee, said she would welcome a development of a high standard.

"We would like to see these plans come to fruition because the site has been an eyesore for such a long time," she said. "I believe the residents in my ward would welcome it and it could be a success."

The greyhound stadium opened in December 1927 and, for more than 69 years, attracted punters from all over the North-west. The venue closed after there was a decline in attendances.