PLANS to develop land in Horwich — described by neighbours as looking like “Second World War concentration camp” — have been withdrawn.

The proposals were submitted by Kevin Gaskell of Pennine Road, Horwich, who had hoped to build a portal-framed building in land off Cotswold Drive — for housing livestock, agricultural equipment and for the stabling of horses — as well as a 6ft lighting column.

Residents expressed their anger at a meeting of Horwich Town Council where councillors voted unanimously to recommend refusal on the plans.

Horwich resident Duncan Smith told the town council that the development would be 25ft from his house and that the lighting column would be built in line with his bedroom window.

He added: “Another concern is the elevation of the land — the paddock will be brought up by two or three foot which will cut out the morning light.

“It would be very intrusive and I am really concerned it will turn into a larger commercial venture.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “This will look like a Second World War concentration camp and it will operate 365 days a year from 9am until 9pm, there will be no peace whatsoever.”

Cllr Richard Silvester added: “As a ward and borough councillor I am going to move for refusal on this application.

“It will completely spoil the appearance and character of the area and is a completely inappropriate development.”

Cllr Stephen Rock said: “The idea of floodlights is ridiculous — this is the countryside.”

The councillors then voted unanimously to recommend that Bolton Council’s planning committee refuse the application.

Mr Gaskell confirmed that the application has been withdrawn and that a re-submission — with a revised scheme — is under consideration.

On hearing the news, Mr Smith said: “I’m glad the application has been withdrawn and will now wait to see what happens next.”