PLANS to redevelop Bolton’s historic town hall are set to get underway after an updated proposal for the building was approved.

The planning committee signed off a revised scheme for the Grade II* listed building which includes a new-look disabled access at the north side.

But some committee members labelled the process 'appalling' and 'a farce' and argued that they were not given the correct level of detail to make a decision of such importance.

The Bolton and District Civic Trust has also said it will make a formal complaint about the planning process involved.

Overall plans for the building, including the creation of a new cafe-bar and upgraded wedding facilities, were approved, in principle, at the committee meeting last month. But councillors asked for more information about the materials to be used for the disabled access as well as more details on the planned internal alterations to the building.

The previous meeting looked at a disabled ramp made predominantly out of glass, but this was replaced with a design with a base of stone matching the building and guard rails which replicate those used at the other entrance to the building’s north side.

The over-arching vision represents a u-turn from the council on its original plan, which looked to cut into the front facade of the building in order to create room for a restaurant and a cafe with outdoor seating areas.

The authority faced a sustained campaign of opposition to the idea and eventually withdrew the plan and created new proposals.

The current scheme does involve a small alteration to the facade of the north face of the building in order to create the disabled access.

During yesterday’s meeting, opposition councillors and the civic trust registered complaints about the detail being offered and the time allowed for consultation.

Conservative Cllr Bob Allen said: “It is a farce — there are so many discrepancies in these plans and a lack of any dimensions

“I think it is appalling that the council cannot bring a design forward that offers clarity to this committee before it makes a decision.”

Responding, Labour Councillor Martin Donaghy said: “I think these proposals adequately address the problem with disabled access and is a minor alteration.

“This will open the town hall up for the public and not — as some groups would like — close it like a museum for people to walk past, almost in reverence.”

Speaking on behalf of the Civic Trust, Dr Margaret Collier said: “The timescales that we have been given for consultation have been ridiculous and this ramp was not part of the public consultation back in January — we will be making a formal complaint.”

The plans have now been referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government but councillors will be kept informed of their progress.