COUNCILLORS have kicked out plans by a Bolton firm to build a steelworks on green belt land in Chorley.

Chorley's Planning Committee rejected the proposals by William Hare Ltd to build the steel fabrication plant at Gale Moss following massive opposition from local residents.

About 10 per cent of the proposed site is in green belt land and residents protested that the area would be ruined if the plans were given the go-ahead.

Lancashire County Council and the parish council at Wheelton also objected to the plans and there was a recommendation of refusal from the Director of Technical Services.

Chorley's Planning Committee Chairman, Cllr Dennis Edgerley commented: "Although we welcome the investment represented by the proposal, it strays into the Green Belt and that's a problem for us. We are looking at an alternative site with the applicants which avoids this problem.

"Therefore, future applicants should take note of the decision and the importance which the Council places on the planning policies at this site."

William Hare, based in Weston Street, Bolton, lodged the outline planning application last November.

A company spokesman refused to comment.

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