PLANS for "yuppie" flats have been given the go-ahead in Lostock despite complaints from nearby residents.

Members of Bolton's planning committee approved the proposals to build five townhouses and three apartments on the site of a derelict warehouse even though 209 people had complained about over-development.

The four residential blocks will be built off Rumworth Road at the Lostock Goods Yard, close to the train station.

But local residents have argued that such a development is over-ambitious and will generate too much traffic on roads used by many schoolchildren.

Previous plans to build 18 apartments on the same site were turned down by the planning committee last year when councillors had agreed that the area was over-developed.

Traffic exiting the site will use land owned by Railtrack with an electronic gate system to ensure safety.

The developers, Stonemount Development, have promised to provide extra car parking spaces.

Cllr John Noble said: "This is a positive scheme and is good for the area.

"The site is near the train station, so people will catch the train to get to work.

"The developers have bent over backwards for this plan and I do not think there is anything wrong with it."

The planning committee approved the plans and they will now be forwarded to the planning director for final consideration.