A COACH firm has been refused permission to retain the use of a site in Farnworth as a depot.

Tyrers Coaches began using the land off Bloomfield Road in 2015 without obtaining planning permission, angering neighbouring residents.

On Thursday, Bolton Council’s planning committee refused the company’s application to continue operating at the site.

Speaking on behalf of the objecting residents, John Anderton said that the noise of between 30 and 50 diesel coaches parking outside their back gardens had “destroyed” their quality of life.

Ward councillor Derek Burrows, who also spoke against the application, told the committee: “You are the last chance for these people to get their lives back.”

Cllr Debbie Newall moved that the application be refused, saying that — while she did not want to stand in the way of local businesses — residents should not have to put up with “unacceptable” noise and pollution.

The council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris, said that there was no option but to refuse the application, but added that “a little imagination” could have resolved the dispute by now.

A previous application made by Tyrers for the site was deferred at a planning meeting last August and later withdrawn.

Concerns were raised by Conservative councillor, Zoe Kirk-Robinson, that the firm could successfully appeal the application’s refusal.

Cllr John Walsh also supported the application, adding: “If we are to refuse this application, then we must do everything we can to support a local business which is fulfilling an important public transport function.”

Cllr Joyce Kellett suggested issuing a temporary 12-month permission for the site, and said that noise and pollution levels could be brought to an acceptable level if the business was properly monitored.

No one from Tyrers Coaches, which provides transport to Bolton Wanderers matches, was present at the town hall meeting.