THE ambitious plans to redevelop the derelict site at Nelson Square above have already been scaled down because of opposition from the courts.

And the application for a drinks licence by JD Wetherspoon is crucial to the new revised plans.

Developers Cathco Properties originally planned to develop the whole of one side of the square.

But as reported in the BEN a bid by First Leisure to gain a licence for a Branagans pub has been kicked out.

At an appeal hearing at Bolton Crown Court a judge and four licensing justices decided that the pub could create a "substantial risk to public order.

Their decision came despite the appeal being backed by Bolton divisional police head Ch Supt John Bartlett. Police had previously objected to any more pub type developments in the Bradshawgate area.

And in court PC Gregory Pickles cast doubt on the efficiency of the closed circuit television systems which Branagans offered to provide.

Branagans, which promised to spend £200,000 a year on live entertainment, would have been the largest pub of its kind in Bolton catering for around 1,000 people.

The whole Cathco scheme has the backing of Bolton's planning department.

Cathco property director Nigel Dick said: "Because of the refusal of First Leisure's application we have decided to scale the size of the development down and split it into two phases."

Phase one will include the Wetherspoons pub - if agreed - and another unit. Phase two of the development land is set to be advertised for use as offices and car parking.

Mr Dick said: "We have had a fantastic amount of interest but that interest is worthless without permission for licences."

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