CAMPAIGNERS have managed to delay plans to build a two-storey apartment block in a picturesque conservation area.

Objectors have been campaigning for several months against two applications by developer Adonhill Limited to demolish Lever House, in Greenmount Lane, Heaton, and replace it with 13 apartments and a gatehouse.

Lever House was owned by Bolton School until two years ago and was the residence of a former headmaster. The land was given as a gift to the school by Lord Leverhulme in 1899 for the use of the community.

Planning officers at Bolton Council had recommended both applications for approval but the council's planning and highways committee yesterday decided to defer their decision because of the weight of public concern, particularly over a planned car park.

The council had received 25 letters objecting to the proposal.

Neighbours have objected on the grounds that the neo-Georgian style building is 30 years old, still habitable and has historical value. They also said there were covenants on the land and bats inhabited the area.

There were further concerns about the impact of the apartments on privacy and traffic congestion.

Objector Helen Stokes, of Copeland Mews, said: "Lever House is a pleasant Georgian-style property which was tenanted until three years ago and could be inhabited again. Four of the planned apartments will overlook existing properties and the proposed car park will almost touch my garden fence which means security lighting will flood my house at night and there will also be noise from the garages."

The council's conservation officer advised the committee that Lever House was not a building of note, describing it as a "mediocre pastiche of a historic style with poor quality materials . . . which is not considered to make a positive contribution to the area".

A bat survey in the area found no evidence of activity.

Heaton and Lostock ward councillor Robert Allen said: "I have a great deal of sympathy with the residents because the existing building is some distance away but we have to be realistic.

"All over Heaton, sites like this are being developed into apartments and as apartment blocks go, this is not a bad one.

"My biggest concern is regarding the car park. I don't think people should have a car park at the bottom of their gardens."

The committee agreed to defer both applications for further investigation.