PLANS for an extension at Bolton School have been turned down by the council.

The building would have housed eight new classrooms at the fee-paying school in Chorley New Road.

But planning control sub-committee councillors decided that it was out of character with the rest of the grade two listed building.

The chairman, Labour Cllr Jack Foster, said: "It is not up to Bolton School standards."

Tory leader Cllr Norman Critchley added: "It is totally out of keeping with this magnificent building."

Councillors objected to the terracotta rendered walls which they did not feel would blend well with the rest of the building.

Planning chiefs recently turned down a plan for a nursery at the school but the decision was overturned on appeal and will now go ahead.

A £3 million scheme to set up a volleyball centre of excellence at grant maintained St James's C E Secondary School at Farnworth was approved by planning councillors.

It will give the school top class sporting facilities and it will be able to host regional and national volleyball competitions.

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