ONE of the most unusual homes in the country could be built in Bolton if developers get the go- ahead.

Plans have been drawn up for a des-res on the outside of a Victorian chimney.

The 260ft-high chimney near Barrow Bridge has stood idle for 30 years.

Now the owners want to attach a 360-degree glass-fronted extension to form a unique house — 60 feet above ground level.

It would have a lounge area, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, accessed by a staircase and lift built in the spine of the chimney.

If Bolton Council gives the go-ahead, it is thought that it would become the first house of its kind in the UK.

The present owner, who has remained anonymous, appointed Eagley- based RT Design to find a use for the building.

Tony Lang, of RT Design said: “The work would preserve the chimney stack, and provide a regular presence on the site that will curtail the use of the area as a dumping ground.” He added: “The project really has that wow factor and I hope that others find it as exciting as us.”

The octagonal-shaped chimney was built in 1863 at the junction of Barrow Bridge Road and Smithills Croft Road to serve the Halliwell Bleach Works.

According to folklore, the late Bolton steeplejack, Fred Dibnah, climbed to the top for a 10-shilling bet when he was aged 17.

The chimney became a grade- two listed structure in 1974, but fell into disrepair when the bleachworks closed in the 1980s.

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies of holidaylettings.co.uk, which lets unusual homes, said: “It is certainly the first liveable chimney we have seen.

“If the developers do it and they do it well, it will be quite a landmark locally and will have the local tourist office jumping for joy.”

However, the idea might come up against some opposition as the chimney is on green- belt land and in a conservation area. Smithills Cllr Roger Hayes said: “The project has probably got more negatives than positives.

“We have got to take into account the visual impact of the extension on the surrounding area. “However, the chimney is a true symbol of Bolton’s proud industrial past and a real jewel in the crown and it is a positive that this development would preserve it.”

The council is set to reach a decision by October 12.