PLANS have been revealed for three four-storey blocks of flats on top of a disused railway line aimed at staff from Royal Bolton Hospital.

The brownfield site, in Minerva Road in the Harper Green ward of Farnworth, has been the subject of a number of different admissions and runs directly towards the hospital.

The latest plans would see three blocks created, comprising eight apartments and 100 ‘shared residential units’.

It would also include an access road and parking for the homes.

Dorbcrest Homes are the firm behind the plans, which have been put forward on behalf of the company by Bolton-based Sedgwick Associates.

Previously, the developers had put two other plans in front of Bolton Council, the first consisting of 45 two-bedroom apartments.

The second plan, for 17 three-bedroom houses and 12 two-bedroom apartments was accepted in 2016 but was not built.

In a letter accompanying the application, Paul Sedgwick, of Sedgwick Associates, said: “The current proposal, which is primarily for shared accommodation, is in specific response to investor interest in this site, which is driven by the proximity of the hospital and the prospect of interest from its workforce for easily accessible accommodation.

“This is clearly a realistic prospect given the likely increase in hospital funding and employment.

“However, the development, if approved, would be open to occupation on a commercial basis and there is no involvement with the hospital trust.

“Normally, shared housing does not generate significant parking needs. This development is intended to provide units of good quality accommodation and the availability of parking ensures that there is no barrier to people in employment who can perhaps aspire to owning a car but do not need to use it for their journey to work.

“30 cycle spaces are also proposed. Landscaping is used to break up the visual impact of car parking.”

A decision on the application will have to be made before the expiry date of October 4, with the local consultation officially ending on September 1.

To view the current plans for the blocks, visit www.planningpa.bolton.gov.uk/ and search the reference 03818/18.