A VICTORIAN semi-detached house on Albert Road, Heaton, has been saved from demolition.

Councillors on Bolton planning committee turned down a plan by a construction firm to replace the house with a block of nine flats near a conservation area on Chorley New Road.

Cllr Joseph Higson told yesterday's committee meeting: "I cannot see why the developer cannot make changes to the existing building instead of knocking it down.

"A new building would stand out like a sore thumb."

Cllr Norman Critchley added: "It would be a travesty of justice if these houses were knocked down.

"Any alterations should be carried out on the existing building."

Cllr Laurence Williamson said: "I do not want to see these houses demolished. They could be nicely converted. But often when conversions are done they are on the tackier end of the market."

If new flats were built you would get a more quality end product."