FORMER footballer Garry Flitcroft has had plans to extend a block of flats approved — despite objections from locals.

The ex-Manchester City and Blackburn star has been permitted to build three additional three-bedroomed apartments at the site of his existing 24-flat complex in Toppings Green, Bromley Cross.

The proposals had caused concerns from those living nearby regarding the impact on their privacy, with fears the new flats could overlook existing properties.

But members of Bolton Council’s planning committee were satisfied that the main window from the new flats would look out onto a car park, rather than onto people’s homes and gave the plan the green light.

A petition of 78 names had been submitted opposing the plans.