NEIGHBOURS have strongly objected to plans to create a therapeutic riding centre.

Owners of the domestic riding stables in Factory Hill, which received planning permission in 2016, have applied to create the facility and erect a building containing four stables, a lecture room and toilets.

But furious neighbours spoke out against the proposed development at Thursday's meeting of Horwich Town Council.

One man said: "The current development has not been completed. It is in a very, very poor state there.Builders' materials are being stored at the site.

"The last application said that it would not be for commercial use. But this application will be for a commercial use, not personal.

"It will increase the number of stables by 50 per cent. That will increase the number of horse boxes coming to the site.

"The road is in a poor state of repair and there will be more vehicles going up and down it."

He added that the development would also have a negative impact on the green belt and harm the 'character' of the area.

Cllr Robert Graham, who lives near that area, said: "I have seen vehicles obstructing that road and a fire engine with its blues and twos.

"It could not get past. That road is not suitable for any delivery wagons or horse boxes."

Town mayor Cllr Steve Rock proposed to recommend the application for refusal on the grounds of traffic problems and the impact on the green belt.

Members of the committee voted in line with Cllr Rock's proposal.

A decision on the plans will be made in due course by Bolton Council.