A HOUSING company has changed their building plans after listening to what local people had to say.

Roland Bardsley Homes are to build cottages on the site of the former H&S Garage on Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

But after meeting residents at The Last Drop Village and on the development site itself to hear what points they wanted to raise, the firm has resubmitted its plans to Bolton Council.

It has reduced the number of mews cottages it wants to build from 11 to 10 and care has been taken to preserve the conservation area next to the site.

Concerns over the lack of car parking have been addressed with two spaces for each cottage being provided. The height of the development has been lowered and trees will be planted to replace aged and diseased trees on the edge of the conservation area.

The company set up a show vehicle on site to display what bricks and roof slates would be used and to give people the chance to view the full plans.

A Roland Bardsley spokesman said: "We got a lot of feedback from the meetings and we felt we had nothing to hide. A lot of people thought the area would be improved with the development, but there were things residents wanted changing so we went out to them with a show vehicle. That way, we were able to demonstrate we have addressed everything they have put to us."

Cllr Alan Wilkinson said: " It's very good when a developer actually listens to residents and then actually amend plans to satisfy everyone.

"Virtually all the problems residents had with the site have been eradicated. Some people thought the houses were too high and that has been sorted out and the trees they felled are being replaced.

"They have done an excellent consultation programme and it look as if it will be a very nice development."

The improved plans are expected to be approved by Bolton Council.