A NEW housing estate will be built on a former depot that has fallen into disrepair — but only if measures are put in place to protect one of Bolton’s oldest buildings.

Bolton at Home has been given the green light to build 21 affordable homes at the old council depot off Park Road, Westhoughton.

However, its original designs will have to be amended in order to protect a neighbouring property at Higher Landedmans which dates back to 1609.

Anita Jackson-Baratinsky, who lives at the historic property, told a town hall planning committee meeting yesterday that she was concerned about cutting off light to her home.

She said: “I do understand that this is a brownfield site, but my objection is that it will overshadow my house.

“It was built in 1609 so the windows are small and the ceilings are low — it is already dark.”

It was suggested that the proposed home closest to her property could be moved away by around two metres or have its size reduced.

Cllr Christine Wild said that, while she supported the principle of developing the depot site, she wanted to see the historic house protected.

Fellow Westhoughton councillor Kevan Jones added that the depot had become a ‘magnet’ for anti-social behaviour and an eyesore.

Cllr Norman Critchley demanded assurances that, if the application was approved, the plans would come back before the committee if a redesign to protect the historic house could not be agreed between council officers and the developer.

Cllr Nick Peel says that was a ‘classic’ brownfield site that should be developed and that Bolton at Home is experienced with working with local communities to mitigate any negative impact from its developments.

The committee voted to approve the development, on the proviso that officers and ward councillors will be consulted about amendments to the plans.