COUNCILLORS will "roll up their sleeves" to fight plans to build three four-storey blocks of flats on top of a disused railway line.

Proposals to build the apartments on the land next to Minerva Road, in Farnworth,were initially submitted by Dorbcrest Homes last year.

At the time, residents formed an action group to oppose the plans and voice concerns about loss of privacy, loss of light and being overlooked.

Following a period of the plans behind held in abeyance, planning agent Paul Sedgwick, of Sedgwick Associates recently sent revised plans to planning officials for consideration.

In a letter to the planning department, Mr Sedgwick wrote: "The revisions now submitted include re-orienting one block to ensure that visual separation distances are respected.

"Whilst it is not necessary to justify the development as part of a planning application, I can confirm that my clients sees an opportunity to provide HMO accommodation in proximity to the hospital and its educational facilities as well as meeting demand arising within the workforce and students for form of accommodation."

Speaking at Harper Green area Forum, Cllr Sue Haworth suggested the plans could come before planning committee next month but vowed to fight for residents.

She said: "I would say not much has changed. "The main theme of the application remains the things residents are objecting to.

"It's going to be hard because of housing need in Bolton. We are really going to have to campaign hard and fight. I'll roll my sleeves up for it big time."

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