A COUNCILLOR is calling for an inquiry into a controversial planning application to be heard in public.

Bolton Council turned down an application for a store to be set up at a garage off Crompton Way.

An appeal has been put in which is due to be heard by an inspector from a written submission.

But Tonge ward Cllr Paul Perry has now written to deputy Prime Minister John Prescott calling for a full public inquiry.

More than 40 people put in objections to the application, including residents from a nearby block of elderly people's flats.

Cllr Perry said: "This is something which should be heard out in the open.

"I don't trust written hearings, you just don't know what goes on.

"This application is for a large shop and if it went ahead there would be light 24 hours a day shining into the old people's flats."

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