NEW houses could be "crammed" into small spaces across Bolton if plans described as "garden grabbing" go ahead.

Several applications to build houses in gardens and other plots of land between have been submitted to the council in recent weeks.

One proposal would see a new two-storey three-bedroom detached house built in someone's front garden in Lostock.

Another two-storey house could be built in a back garden in Westhoughton and a five-bedroom house could be built on an overgrown plot near Derby Street.

Heaton and Lostock councillor Andy Morgan told The Bolton News he is against any form of "garden grabbing".

He said: "You have to look at every application on its merits but generally, we are against garden grabbing and people cramming any building in small spaces."

The proposed dwelling in Glengarth Drive would be situated next to a bungalow on the corner of Bryantsfield.

Last month, Cllr Morgan objected to a one-storey extension to a bungalow which was approved in Ladybridge because it would "set a precedent" and lead to similar developments on the estate.

However, this application for a new house next to Lostock Primary School is on a street where most houses have two storeys.

Cllr Morgan added: "The building has got to have a relation with the housing around it. It could fundamentally change the living conditions of people."

In Rumworth ward, a five-bedroom house could be built on land at Horeb Street.

The applicant has acquired the vacant overgrown plot at the end of Back Nebo Street with the intention of building a two-storey family home with accommodation in the roof space, according to the plans.

They state: "Like many northern mill towns, there is considered to be an undersupply of larger, family homes in Bolton, yet an oversupply of smaller, usually poor quality terraced housing stock.

"The delivery of an additional larger, new family home would better meet local housing need and make a valuable contribution towards housing delivery in times of chronic shortage nationally."

An application to build a dwelling with a detached garage behind a house in Westhoughton's Broad Walk has also been submitted.

If approved, this would see a two-bedroom house built in the 217-square-metre garden area behind a property off Wigan Road.

All three applications will be decided by planning officers in the coming weeks.