A PROPOSAL to build 28 houses in Westhoughton has been approved by Bolton Council.

The properties will be built on land off Church Street and will be occupied with a variety of three and four bedroom houses and there will also be a number of flats and maisonettes.

The site, bounded by Wellington Street, Church Street and James Street, was previously granted outline planning permission for 21 dwellings, in June 2013.

However the approved layout did not take into account the position of an existing sewer, therefore was increased to 27 after a resubmission.

It was then amended to 28 with five garages in total for the site and 54 parking spaces.

Access to the site will be off Wellington Street.

The application has caused concern with residents and town councillors who believe it will add to mounting traffic congestion in the area.

Town Councillor David Wilkinson said: "Historically it was a housing site, that is a fact, but the problem is that Westhoughton has changed so significantly since then.

"The biggest problem we have is the traffic related issues.

"It is already a very busy road, there is industrial traffic in James Street, then we have the car park across the road and there is probably also going to be another 100 or so houses built in the Wingates area when the land is sold off.

"Those are the biggest concern for residents.

"Westhoughton is going to end up coming to a complete standstill, we can't just keep building."

Councillor David Chadwick said he also has concerns about traffic and in increase in houses.

He added: "It is frustrating that it went from 21, to 27 and now at 28 houses, but it is a very difficult situation because once it is approved the developer can change the plans."

The Highways Authority had no objections to the application.