WORRIES over car parking have spoiled plans to turn a landmark former church from an antiques shop into a general retail store.

There is currently planning permission for The Iron Church, in Blackburn Road, a Grade II listed building, to be used as an antiques shop. Bolton Council planning chiefs refused an application for the property's retail use to be extended.

At a town hall meeting, concerns were raised that there were not enough parking spaces available.

A report to planning bosses, compiled by officers, stated there was limited street parking around the site and that the yard could only accommodate two or three cars.

But the report had recommended that the application be approved as it would ensure the continued use and maintenance of the building.