A LACK of respect was shown to Blackrod Town Council, it is claimed, when a controversial plan to replace a children's play area with social housing was approved.

Residents and campaigners claim that Bolton Council's planning committee did not have the full information when it decided to approve the plans for 20 affordable Bolton at Home properties on a field behind Manchester Road.

The council said the plans would help to cater for a shortage of housing in the village.

Blackrod resident John Price, who was one of the leaders of the campaign against the plans, says the full number of signatures collected in opposition had not been recognised by Bolton Council.

He said that more than 250 letters of objection and a petition containing 100 signatures had been submitted, but council planners put the official number of objections at 124.

In addition, Blackrod councillors say that issues about parking and road safety flagged up by the town council were not heard at the meeting.

Mr Price said: "I have been involved in many planning applications over the years but nothing quite like this one.

"There has been a lack of respect shown to Blackrod Town Council. I think it is about time that town councils were given the respect they deserve.

"We are not saying don't build houses in Blackrod — but we are saying there are other sites that should be considered.

"Bolton Council is doing to the suburbs what it has done to the town centre — they are absolutely going to ruin it."

Cllr Graham Farrington said: "They have completely disregarded every point that was put forward, such as road safety issues and parking issues. They never took into consideration what the town council said."

Bolton at Home said the 18 two-storey homes and two bungalows cater for an “established shortfall” of affordable housing.

Cllr Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for the environment and a member of the planning committee, said all of the evidence had been considered.

He said: "Committee has to consider all the representations and all issues that are brought before it before committee reaches a decision, and that was what we did.

"The town council in itself making comments doesn't stop an application progressing but the council planning committee will take them into account.

"Young people who want to live in Blackrod won't be able to because there's a shortage of housing, so we had to weigh up that need at committee."