PLANNERS have bowled out controversial plans to build luxury homes on a prized plot of land next to a cricket pitch.

Developers have been told they cannot construct a dozen detached houses on the land off Ramsbottom Road, Horwich.

The planning committee turned down the plans by Fountain Park Developments to build on the RMI cricket club land after hearing a list of objections.

Local residents claimed that the plans would mean extra traffic, spoil their views and lead to a loss of privacy.

They also complained because the site included part of the adjoining cricket pitch, the sports pavilion and seating.

The English Sports Council told the committee that the existing pitch is already smaller than the minimum size suggested by the National Cricket Association and it was claimed any further reductions could lead to the the ground becoming unsafe to use.

Objectors also claimed that the proposed development would be too close to the Horwich RMI club which was described in the town hall report as "a source of noise nuisance."

Councillors were told nearby residents already complained about noise from the club and the new houses would be even closer.

Conservative leader Cllr Norman Critchley was worried the cricket club could close if they did not go ahead.

But officials told the councillors that the land had been earmarked as open space and building would breach planning policies.

The planning committee followed the advice of their officials and refused to give permission for the plans.

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