Kearsley is on the brink of a huge transformation if ambitious plans get the go-ahead, a councillor has claimed.

Morbaine Ltd want to demolish industrial and derelict buildings and dispose of scrapyards near Bolton Road and Old Hall Street, to make way for a food store and car park.

The developers have submitted outline plans for the scheme, as well as proposals for the means of access to the development.

A final decision will be made by Bolton's director of planning, but at a meeting yesterday, councillors backed the scheme.

The developer has proposed road improvements as part of the scheme to the Bolton Road and Longcauseway junction.

Scheme supporter Cllr Pauline Spencer said: "How many times have we heard from people in outlying area that 'nothing happens here'?

"We are on the threshold of a massive transformation. Everyone has fought for a relief road in the area and there will be huge improvements at Longcauseway."

But there have been 24 letters of objection from people concerned about the increase in traffic, noise, pollution and the loss of residential amenity.

There have been 16 letters supporting the plans and parents from Kearsley West Primary School have expressed a mixed response. Some are concerned about the possible increase in traffic while others welcome the proposals.

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