ANGRY neighbours claim Bolton Council is ignoring their concerns about an application to turn an old depot into 19 houses.

The council wants to transform its old depot in Park Road, Westhoughton, but opponents say the development will make their parking problems even worse.

An outline application for the development goes before Bolton Council’s planning committee today.

Leigh Road residents complain that visitors to the Bethel Church and a nearby dental practice park outside their homes, leaving them without a space.

The new housing plan includes provision for an extra 38 cars and objectors are calling for Bolton Council to introduce a residents’ parking scheme on the street.

Albert McSpirit, aged 71, from Leigh Road, said: “I went out in the morning to the doctors for half an hour but when I came back someone was in my spot.

“I am upset because you expect to be able to park outside your own house.

“All the way through it has felt as if the council is deliberately being sneaky and not being honest.”

He added that a potential permit zone would solve the problem.

The owner of a 411-year-old house — reportedly the oldest in Westhoughton which is yards away from the depot’s perimeter fence — says the development will cut out “all natural light” from her home.

Anita Jackson-Baratinsky, aged 69, fears taller new houses will be too close to her home, which was built in 1603 and has since been extended.

She said: “My house is dark with small windows and rooms as that was how houses were built in the 1600s.

“If it was a group of bungalows that would be altogether different.”

Town Council leader Cllr David Chadwick said: “There are not many parking schemes in Bolton and often people don’t want them. Relatives risk being fined when they come to visit and so forth.

“Not to mention it costs the local authority £3,000 to start one oand each resident would have to spend £50 a year for their right to park. I understand these complaints but think they are existing problems that will not be made worse.”

Bolton Council runs just two residents’ parking schemes in Westhoughton and another in Dorset Street near the town centre.