PLANNING bosses have pledged to protect a wildlife spot at the site of a former factory.

Builders will submit plans within the next week for around 60 homes on the site of the former Bellhouse Hartwell factory on Leigh Road, Westhoughton.

Local residents want to see important features of the site safeguarded, including mature trees, a lodge and a stream.

Richard Cowley, Bolton Council's deputy director for the environment, said a plan would be drawn up to stop builders encroaching on sensitive land and turn a car park back into green belt land.

But councillors were worried that failure by officials to set strict planning guidelines could see the site ruined.of the site

He said: "Protecting the lodge and turning a car park on the site back into green belt land are the two main issues which concern us."

after protests from councillors which surrounds the lodge and stream

The brief had not been produced because of sheer pressure of work.

" and the membersby the planning department ere promised that

But they were dismayed to be told that no brief had been produced because of a lack of resources.n important