PLANS for a 60-bed travel inn-type hotel have been turned down by Horwich councillors amid concerns about access to the site.

The Punch Travel Inn company applied to build the two-storey hotel on land next to The Beehive pub in Chorley New Road.

But angry residents attended a planning meeting in Horwich to argue that access and exit from the site could bring traffic to a standstill on an already congested stretch of road. The developer had requested access to the hotel -- which they hoped to build on a children's play area next to the pub and on part of an existing car park -- to be from Chorley New Road and Austin's Lane.

However, residents claimed it was already impossible for traffic to leave Austin's Lane during rush hour and extra cars would create even bigger problems. Residents also feared the area's drainage system could not support such a big development as there are already regular flash floods when it rains heavily.

They were also worried about possible light pollution because the hotel would be floodlit.

Officers from Bolton Council's highways department had also raised objections on the access and exit conditions and were unhappy with Austin's Lane being used.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne argued that the plans should be approved with certain conditions and said: "This is a massive sign of confidence building in Horwich -- why say enough is enough?"

He added: "We need jobs for local people."

However, Cllr Bob Ronson said: "Hotels might be necessary in Horwich now, but traffic would be leaving on a blind bend.

"The police are not happy with the design of the building.

"On match days, there will be much more traffic and cars will probably try to park there."

The plans will now be considered by Bolton Council's planning committee.