PROPOSALS to build new housing development on the site of an old mill have been given the green light by planning chiefs.

Bolton Council’s planning committee has given the go ahead for 35 new homes on the former Perseverance Mill site, of Bolton Road, Westhoughton.

The owner of neighbouring Westhoughton MOT centre raised concerns for future residents could complain about fumes and odours from his premises.

Geoff Sykes told the committee that he had run the garage for 28 years, but only now feared for its future.

But planners were sufficiently assured by officers that this would not be a problem, given the number of similar businesses that operate without complaint near residential across Bolton.

And they felt it was important for the council to demonstrate its commitment to developing brownfield sites.

Cllr Zoe Kirk-Robinson, who represents Westhoughton Chew Moor “This is the kind of development we keep saying we want in Bolton.

“It’s a brownfield site and we do need more projects of this kind to combat green belt development. I’m worried about the effect on the business but, at the same time, we need more houses.”

And Westhoughton South councillor David Wilkinson echoed her comments. He said: “Given the fact that in Westhoughton many residents are opposed to development, we have to bite the bullet on occasion.

“We would be absolutely insane to oppose a brownfield application. We would be beaten from pillar to post on that basis at any inquiry. The application is a good one in a good location.”