PLANS to build nine luxury homes on green space in the middle of a residential area have been given the go-ahead.

Oaktree Developments submitted the proposal to create the properties in Crown Lane, Horwich, towards the end of last year.

The dwellings would be constructed on a piece of land between numbers 46 and 62, which is currently unused.

And planning officers at Bolton Council have now approved the development subject to a number of conditions, including a request to protect a number of trees on the site.

The report from an officer said: "It is considered that the proposed residential development of the site is acceptable and would contribute to much needed housing provision in the borough.

"It would be compatible with the character and appearance of the area, would safeguard the health of future and neighbouring residents, would not jeopardise highway safety, would not unduly harm the amenity of neighbouring residents, and would safeguard urban biodiversity.

"It is considered therefore that the proposal complies with aforementioned local and national planning policies."

The site has been subjected to a number of planning applications in the past.

The most recent proposal was for 12 houses in 2014, which was also granted permission by Bolton Council.

But the then owners of the site, A E Yates Group, subsequently decided not to develop the land.

It was sold to Oaktree Developments at the end of 2017.

In a statement, the developer said the houses would all be five-bedroom detached properties at about 2.5 storeys-high with "integral or attached garages".

The statement continued: "Given the nature of the surrounding land uses and the planning policy framework, residential layout is the most appropriate use for the site.

"Such a use is consistent with the council's desire to provide high quality family accommodation in support of its economic regeneration initiative."