DEVELOPERS behind plans to demolish the Green Bengal restaurant in Bromley Cross and replace it with a supermarket have refused to change their proposals — despite fierce opposition.

The controversial application to knock down the restaurant, formerly the Volunteer Inn, in Darwen Road, and build a Sainsbury’s, two shops and a car park is set to be discussed at today’s meeting of Bolton Council’s planning committee.

At February’s meeting, councillors deferred making a decision to ask developers, CW Construction, whether it would consider reducing the number of retail units to make space for more car parking.

It comes after complaints by councillors and neighbours that there are already problems with traffic congestion along Darwen Road, which will be made worse by delivery lorries.

An officers’ report to the committee — which recommends approving the application — reads: “The applicant has not been forthcoming in amending the scheme, highlighting that the proposal meets the council’s parking standards and that the site is located within a very sustainable location.

“The applicant has however confirmed that should long-stay parking become a problem then it would be dealt with promptly by the site owner to ensure that the car park was available for genuine customers.”

Cllr David Greenhalgh, who represents Bromley Cross, said it was disappointing to hear the officers’ recommendation — and reports that preparatory work had already started at the site.

The Bolton News reported how CW Construction has been carrying out internal strip work and investigation works in the car park. Cllr Greenhalgh said: “Obviously all of the three ward councillors want to see the site developed and not stay as an eyesore in the village.

“But we want to make sure it’s done right and the development doesn’t have a detrimental impact on people living nearby.

“Even with a two hour parking restriction all the staff at these shops will end up parking on residential streets.”