PUB chain Wetherspoons has applied to build a new smoking area at the back of its Westhoughton venue.

Town councillors gave the plan to build the seating area in the existing car park of The Robert Shaw pub in Market Street, pictured, the green light at a meeting on Monday.

A detailed noise assessment accompanied the application, while the erection of the seating area will see six car parking spaces lost.

Cllr Gill Williams said: “If I am reading this assessment correctly, at no time would the noise exceed the maximum that you are allowed to have. It would be an asset for the area.”

Cllr Lynda Winrow-Baker, Westhoughton’s deputy mayor, added: “There is only one resident at the back in Marsden Street so the noise level should not come into it a lot.”

Cllr Kevan Jones said: “If they did not keep to the noise level they would find themselves in front of licensing so I’ve every confidence this won’t be a problem.”

Members voted unanimously in favour of recommending to Bolton Council’s planning committee that the proposals be approved.