PLANS to build five homes in a wooded area on the edge of the green belt have fallen through for a second time.

Initial plans for the development to the north of Templecombe Drive in Astley Bridge submitted earlier this year were withdrawn and a revised application was revealed in September.

The area of the site set to be developed in the revised plans was smaller than the previous application and there had been more landscaping proposed, according to planning agents Paul Butler Associates.

But town hall planners ruled that the proposed development fails to protect biodiversity and would appear "incongruous" within the setting of the area.

They said: "The proposed development, by introducing built development within this woodland site, would not conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the area. The proposed development is therefore considered to be contrary to Bolton's development plan."

Astley Bridge councillor Paul Wild spoke out against the plans when they first surfaced back in February.

He said: “I’m pleased that it has been refused. There’s many reasons that we put forward to do with infrastructure, it’s an area of biological importance."

Another application for five homes on land less than 200 metres away which was due to be decided in September awaits determination.