RESIDENTS turned out in force to argue against proposals to build houses on a piece of land used for parking.

Members of Horwich Town Council's planning committee admitted they were shocked by the strength of feeling on the proposal to demolish workshops and garages to make way for the nine houses.

Residents of Crown Lane argued that the patch of land at Marsh Street has been open to the public for more than 40 years and is needed in an area which lacks parking provision.

At the weekends the area is also particularly busy as children play football nearby and many parents park in Crown Lane, which has double-yellow lines on one side, and Scholes Bank.

Residents say they are upset that they only found out about the plans by accident and felt Bolton Council's planning department had not consulted enough people.

However, a resident of Chorley New Road said: "This area is a tip and building houses on the land would be an advantage."

Ken Crook, of Crown Lane, said: "If the houses are built there will be nowhere for anyone to park and not enough room for cars to turn around.

"The bin men already find it difficult to get down there and what about emergency vehicles?"

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said: "Bolton Council has no duty to inform anyone of any planning applications and does so as a favour, but everyone always seems to find out through word of mouth.

"Horwich has a terrible housing problem -- too many people want to to live here and there are not enough houses for them.

"The applicant needs to come back to us with a fresh plan providing ample parking spaces for current residents."

The application was refused, but will now be considered by Bolton Council.