THE Smithills Coaching House decision is disgusting, but nothing Bolton Council does is surprising any more.

Cllr Nick Peel quotes that it does not matter if it is a restaurant or houses, it will be saved.

Wrong, Cllr Peel, by turning it into residential accommodation you exclude the public and visitors alike. It is another blunder that the council will live to regret and the people of Bolton will not forget.

Strange how suddenly the council are spurred on to prevent “oak panels” in The Shakespeare Hotel in Farnworth, which is a listed building, but allow the interior changes which will obviously take place at the Coaching House.

When you see the problems associated with listed building consent on TV, one wonders how many times building work will stop. We’ll see!

Steven Corns Almond Street Bolton