PLANS to transform an old bleach works into trendy flats have been postponed for a site visit.

Bolton's planning committee will visit Wallsuches Bleach Works in Chorley Old Road, which is currently occupied by Arcon Engineering, in two weeks' time.

Redrow homes has applied for permission to build 141 homes and at least 30 garages at the industrial site.

The planning department has received five letters of complaint from people who fear over-development of the area, access problems and heavy traffic.

Cllr Barbara Ronson asked for a site visit to find out which buildings would be pulled down and to check visibility for traffic turning onto the site.

Following the visit, providing the committee is happy with the plans, the decision will be delegated to the planning director and then the Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett.

Wallsuches Bleach Works were based at the site from 1775 until 1933 and, if the residential plans are approved, Arcon Engineering will relocate to another site.

Despite large-scale housing applications often proving controversial in Horwich, councillors were impressed by the plans to transform the grade two listed building and approved the proposal in April.

The planning committee has been advised to only approve the plans if the developer agrees to protect woodland in the area and to consider traffic calming measures in New Chapel Lane.