RESIDENTS in Horwich fear plans for a new home in a conservation area could lead to an epidemic of developments despite the lack of space in the area.

Anxious residents from School Street packed into Horwich Town Council chamber to argue that a proposal for the detached house could be the "tip of the iceberg".

They fear that if the development is approved, it could lead to an influx of similar planning applications.

One resident, who received notification of the planned house just days after moving into her new home, said: "This land does need regeneration, but there is not enough room for a house.

"I cannot imagine who would want to live there.''

A neighbour suggested the plans were more suited to central London rather than a conservation area in Lancashire.

Other residents suggested the impact on traffic would be enormous as the street is already badly congested because of cars parking there to use the nearby leisure centre.

Another resident expressed concerns for younger residents of School Street and said: "There are quite a few children here and only a few months ago one was knocked over.

"We are worried that if one house can be squeezed into such a small space of land with two car parking spaces, this could be the first of many applications and the traffic will be a real problem.''

Members of Horwich planning committee backed residents' concerns and took the unanimous decision to refuse the application.

The proposals will now go before Bolton Council's planning committee for a decision.