PLANS to build houses in the centre of Westhoughton's conservation area have been rejected by town councillors.
The application for the development at Grundy's Farm was put to the town's planning, finance and general purposes meeting this week.
Mr Ged Kelly, planning officer, said that planning permission was granted in February 1995 for the conversion of two barns to two dwellings.
The current application by DC Kennedy Homes Ltd seeks permission to demolish the derelict barns and build a staggered terrace of five houses and an L-shaped block of 10 flats. Mr Kelly said that two letters of objection have been received in respect of an increase in traffic and the loss of an amenity used by children playing football but it was recommended to grant approval.
Cllr Brian Clare moved that the scheme should be turned down.
Said Cllr Clare: "When you approach the town there are signs welcoming people to Historic Westhoughton but there's going to be no history left. I would not want to lose any more of Westhoughton's history and I move that we reject it."
Cllr David Wilkinson said that Grundy's Farm was part of the conservation area which included the parish church, the clinic and memorial gardens, and the only one which the town had left. "I agree with Cllr Clare, we cannot afford to lose any more," he said.
"What concerns me is the number of houses which are going to be in this very tight spot. It is tight for traffic and used by a lot of people going to the parochial school.
"I think it is over intensive, will cause a highway problem and we will also lose a major chunk of the conservation area."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article