A ROW of shops and flats are set to be built on disused land as plans have been given the go ahead.

Planning permission has been granted for the erection of three retail premises in Piggott Street, Farnworth next to the New Bury Community Learning Centre.

Three two-bedroom apartments will be built above the shops.

Town hall officers noted a lack of allocated parking provision but said this did not warrant refusing the application because there is on-street parking nearby.

They said: "The proposed building would fit with the character and appearance of the area. I would not harm the amenities of the occupants in the surrounding area. It would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers with regards to internal floor space, and the qualitative shortfall in outdoor amenity space would be addressed."

Similar plans were given the green light by Bolton Council's planning officials in almost a decade ago but the approval expired due to the work not being carried out on time.

Proposals have now been re-submitted by local businessman Frank Kirkpatrick, with the help of planning agent Harry Jackson.

There was previously one building on the land, barbershop Cutting Corner, which prevented work taking place. Demolition at the site was completed last July.

There were also plans submitted in 2013 by planning agents Nada Architects to create an MOT and repairs garage on the land, but these were withdrawn by the applicant.