LANS to develop two pairs of semi-detached housing in the City Challenge area of Bolton have been turned down by councillors.

Holmans PLC had applied to build the homes on land fronting Wapping Street, Halliwell.

But a 114-name protest petition from the Falcon Residents' Association was received by the planning sub-committee.

The residents opposed the development on the grounds that it would result in the loss of a green area used by local children, forcing them to play in the busy streets.

Cllr Cliff Morris said the area was densely populated with few green areas.

"If we approve this we will force the children on to the streets," he said.

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