A HORWICH firm has overcome two important hurdles in a bid to demolish six buildings.

Amstrong Aggregated Ltd, which produces and recycles sand, gravel and limestone, has asked Bolton Council for permission to knock down the buildings at Horwich Recycling Centre in Chorley New Road.

There is added focus on the application because the site falls within Horwich Locomotive Works Conservative area, which benefits from special protection measures.

The buildings that would go if permission is granted including a riveting tower and boiler shop smithy, a foundry, a workshop, a fitting and machine shop and a smithy.

A report written by Bolton Council planning officer Helen Williams has recommended that the council grants approvals.

"The loss of the buildings has already been accepted by the approval of a (previous planning application in 2014)," said Ms Williams.

She added: "Reassurances have been given by the applicant regarding the safe demolition of the building."

At its February 18 meeting, Horwich Town Council objected to a previous application to demolish three buildings at the site amid concerns over the removal of asbestos.

However, assurances have been given that hazardous materials will be removed safely and, at the latest meeting on Thursday night, the town council lent its support to the latest application.

Horwich Heritage has formally objected to the application.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "Despite claims that the demolition has been approved in principle, justification still has to be provided, which it has not been.

"If permission is granted, an historic record of the buildings and their former uses needs to be provided."

Ms Williams said: "The applicant has agreed to this and is to commission Liverpool Museum Field Archaeology Unit to carry out this work."

Bolton Council is expected to make a final decision in the next few days.