FARNWORTH residents have been given hope by planning councillors who deferred making a decision about proposals to build a cash and carry on land opposite their homes.

The neighbours, featured last week in the BEN, are concerned that the plans would mean the chop for a wall of mature trees along Larkhill which currently screen out motorway noise and pollution from the industrial development behind.

In response to an article in the BEN highlighting concerns, neighbours from the surrounding area grouped together to make their feelings known to councillors making a site visit before the planning meeting later that same day.

Resident Mrs Sylvia Lee, said: "We are very concerned over the proposed siting of a cash and carry to be built off Larkhill.

"If the plans do get the go ahead, mature trees which face our houses and screen motorway noise and pollution will be felled.

"The land and trees opposite our homes, are tended by Bolton Council, so why allow the developer to even consider felling mature trees and leaving us with a small grass verge and fencing?

"If they get the go ahead the trees will be replaced by a black fence. We are only talking about the application being put back a matter of yards, on the plenty of spare land behind the trees."

A petition was handed to councillors visiting the site.

Mrs Lee added: "The councillors did seem to listen to us and the planning decision was deferred at the meeting.

"We are now hopeful that a preservation order will be given to protect the trees."

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