CONTROVERSIAL plans to build homes on the site of a vandalised disused pub have been recommended for approval by Bolton Council planning officers.

An application for 13 homes, a two-storey building with a convenience store and other uses at the site of the Greenwood Arms, in Chorley New Road, Horwich, has been submitted to the council.

The issue is due to be discussed at the planning committee meeting on May 24.

A previous proposal for 12 homes, a convenience store and three shops, along with parking for 41 cars, was turned down by the planning committee after police objected to the plans due to security issues.

Councillors will decide later this month whether the new plans get the go- ahead, but officers are recommending it can be approved, subject to conditions.

Permission has already been given to demolish the pub which has been targeted by arsonists and vandals several times in the last month.

The Greenwood Action Group, which launched a campaign against earlier plans to develop the site, said they would continue to oppose the proposed development.

The group has been calling for the pub to be saved and re-opened.

Roy Greenhalgh, chairman of Claypool Residents’ Association, said: “It is still over-development because it is 13 houses and shops.

“They say there is no problem with the traffic but there have been 22 accidents on that stretch between Claypool Road and Victoria Road in the last five years.

“Shops are closing in Horwich. We do not need any more shops.

“Factories and mills, Jobcentre, toilets and the market in Horwich have all closed. We do not want to lose any more.

“We will be objecting at the meeting because someone has to make a point.”