AN ‘ABSURD’ planning battle is set to resume, after plans were put forward to build at a Horwich farm.

Neil Pike Architects has submitted proposals for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings and erection of three homes — one of which would be formed by converting a barn — at Hole Hill Farm, in Matchmoor Lane.

However, the applicant says that the plans are inferior to a previous scheme that was refused by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

A statement submitted with the application said: “This proposal does not have the architectural or townscape quality of the previously proposed schemes in that is has been driven by policy.

“The openness of the green belt will be enhanced by the implementation of this proposal but not to the extent that previous schemes offered.”

Plans to demolish farm buildings criticised by Horwich town councillors

It adds: “This is a situation that is too absurd to merit further comment.”

The applicant has criticised government policy on which land is considered suitable for building on.