CONCERNS about toxic fumes, loud noises and dust from an asphalt plant has led a councillor to take the matter out of planning officers' hands.

More than 100 residents attended a meeting last week to discuss the plans for a mobile asphalt plant at the Burnden Works site.

They claim similar sites across the country have led to many health, smell and noise complaints and worry that prevailing wind could bring those effects to Darcy Lever.

Now, the application will be decided by councillors on the planning committee at the request of ward councillor Sean Hornby.

This comes as neighbouring highway St Peter's Way has been identified as having pollution levels above the legal limit.

Cllr Hornby said: "It's one of the most polluted areas in Greater Manchester. So adding this to it is of great concern. If the wind's in the right direction, it will send the fumes and smells to Clayton Street and that area."

The UKIP councillor also requested an advance site visit before the committee meeting at which the application will be determined.

He added: "The public feel that they want to be able to have their say on the application. As the process is set, it was about to be determined by officers because it's not classed as a major operation. However, in my view, it needs to be determined by the committee."

Speaking on behalf of contractor J Hopkins (Contractors) Ltd, agent Wardell Armstrong said: “If planning consent is approved for the scheme, it would be fully compliant with any conditions that Bolton Council place upon it, together with the stringent regulatory controls required by the Environment Agency.”

The application could be discussed at the next planning committee meeting in February.

Residents can send comments to Bolton Council's planning department until then.