NEW flats on an empty parcel of land could "exacerbate" the parking situation for nearby properties, highways engineers have said.

Plans for a three-storey building with six self-contained flats in Back Eskrick Street South, Halliwell do not include any on-street parking.

There have also been concerns about bin lorries accessing the property.

The Highways and Engineering department said: "The Local Highways Authority would struggle to provide a reasonable objection to what is being proposed under this application. This is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the consultation with colleagues in Waste Services."

Town hall planners could approve the application by the end of the month.