By Jane Bullock

jbullock@boltoneveningnews.co.uk

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a two-storey motel have been refused by Horwich Town Council's planning committee for a second time.

Both Horwich and Bolton Councils' planning committees have already turned down the proposal to build a 60-bed Travel Inn at the Beehive pub in Chorley New Road.

But the applicant, Punch Travel Inn Company, has re-submitted the same plans at the same time as a public inquiry is due to go ahead into Bolton Council's refusal of the original application.

Concerned residents packed into the Horwich planning meeting to express their fears that if the motel went ahead there would be traffic chaos at one of the busiest and most dangerous roundabouts in Bolton.

People fear there will be an accident as access to the site would mean cars cutting across traffic along Chorley New Road. The applicant has still not completed landscaping work at the site -- which was promised last year -- despite constant reminders from Bolton's planning department.

There are fears that on Bolton Wanderers match days the entire area near the roundabout would grind to a halt as the Beehive has always leased its car park to fans and there would be nowhere for hotel guests to park.

Many people remain baffled as to why a motel is needed in a residential area when there are already so many hotels nearby and the Middlebrook site is only minutes away.

Members of the planning committee were unanimous in turning down the proposal again. Bolton Council's highways department has recommended the plans are refused on the grounds of traffic dangers.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said: "Punch Travel own the land and this is a cheap option for them, but if the highways department think it should be refused, then it can't be safe."

Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "The company is doing this in the hope that the council will simply give in because public inquiries cost so much.

"I just hope members of the public realise Punch Travel are messing them about and not us."

Residents previously organised a petition against the motel which attracted 93 signatures.