PRIVATE stables and a barn will be built in Blackrod, despite complaints from residents and the town council.

Bolton Council's planning committee approved plans to build the stables in Manchester Road even though Cllr Ray Barrow, who lives in Blackrod, strongly objected, describing the proposal as "an eyesore". He argued that there were already too many stables in the village and it was unfair to build more so near to several primary schools.

Blackrod town council had refused the plans because of the size of the development and its impact on the greenbelt and 28 residents had written to the planning department with complaints about the impact of car parking, smell, danger to children and noise.

However, Cllr Laurence Williamson said: "This is a perfectly reasonable thing to expect in a quasi-rural, quasi-suburban area and perhaps Cllr Barrow should move to Ordsall where there is no countryside."

The planning committee only approved the plans on the condition that the stables will be for private and not commercial use. They also approved plans to build a set of stables on land next door.