CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a football academy in Lostock will be discussed by councillors later this week.

Bolton Wanderers have applied for planning permission to build a centre of footballing excellence on the former British Aerospace sports ground, off Oxhey Lane and Mille Lane.

The proposals are tied to plans to also build industrial units and houses on the same site.

But residents have been fighting the plans as they fear they will be overcome by noise, pollution, increased traffic and car parking problems.

They are also worried that the complex will ruin the surrounding countryside and local wildlife. Residents have submitted more than 100 letters of objection to Bolton Council and claim the plans remain vague.

Lostock Residents Association is also concerned about the plans as it fears over development of the Green Belt area.

If the plans are given the green light, Lostock Sports Club will have to move out despite not having anywhere else to go.

Members of Horwich Town Council objected to the proposals.

Bolton Council's planning committee will make the final decision at its meeting on Thursday.