THE future of two historic mills in Great Lever may be sealed this afternoon as the council's planning committee consider five applications at today's meeting.

Councillors will vote on the final plans to build 121 homes on the Beehive Mills site. Developer Countryside Properties claims it will not be viable for the homes to meet affordable housing requirements set when outline planning permission was granted earlier this year.

It also wants to dispense with contributions to education and health provision, stating that “abnormal costs” associated with the development are significantly more than originally anticipated.

Councillors will also consider allowing a Farnworth bus depot not to use a drainage device which the government’s environment agency “highly recommends” to prevent public sewer contamination.

Tyrers Coaches says the £50,000 cost of an oil interceptor places a “disproportionate” burden on the business, but residents are outraged and 16 letters of objection have been received.

Other applications to be considered include recovering the portico at Farnworth Town Hall after a teenager was caught on the roof stealing lead in October.

They will also discuss an application to convert a residential dwelling in Astley Bridge to a new shop.

The proposal for the Belmont Road property will be determined by the committee because concerns have been raised about traffic issues.

Finally, Westhoughton High School have proposed a two-storey classroom extension to accommodate an additional 40 pupils per year group.

Planning officers have recommended councillors approve all five applications. The committee will meet in the town hall's council chambers at 2pm.