PLANNING chiefs will consult with deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's department over whether a proposed new Westhoughton primary school can be built.

At their last meeting, members of the council's planning committee were asked to consider a joint proposal to erect seven detached houses and the new school on land off Manchester Road, Westhoughton.

The new school will replace Fourgates and Wingates St John schools -- which would amalgamate. Access to the school and the houses would be from Bristle Hall Way.

But a report to the committee stated that residents have raised concerns that opening up Bristle Hall Way, which is currently a cul de sac, could endanger children who play in the street.

Residents have also voiced concerns over the extra traffic congestion the development may cause and have said the loss of the green space on the site is "unacceptable".

The report states that while the houses side of the development -- submitted by Morris Homes Ltd -- is in accordance with the borough's development plan the application for the school was not.

But it adds: "The site does not contribute to nature conservation and has not been put to any amenity use. As such there is no clear reason that outweighs the re-use of the site."

Council head of planning control Howard Barritt told committee members: "We think the principle of this scheme is acceptable. We have had one letter of support and Westhoughton's Town Council has raised no objections.

"We intend to look at it further with our colleagues in education but because it is a departure from the Development Plan it must be referred to the Secretary of State for the final decision."

Members agreed that responsibility for discussions with the the relevant Government department, the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, should be delegated to officers.