PLANS to expand some services at Royal Bolton Hospital have been revealed.

The hospital's pathology department, which is said to be under increased pressure, could be extended to meet demand.

The service helps to provides an understanding of diseases.

A planning application for a single-storey extension to the building has been submitted to the council.

It said: "There is a need to expand the Pathology department as more and more pressure is put on the service to produce results and an increase of office space for lab technicians will help to satisfy the department’s demands."

The development would make use of an existing pedestrian walkway by extending the existing building while maintaining access to all areas, according to the application.

It said the move is an opportunity to provide an NHS service with the required office facilities to fulfil their obligations by utilising unused space.

Built in 1996, the existing property is described as a "residential institutional building".

It is located within the Royal Bolton Hospital site surrounded by similar buildings but there are also a number of Victorian style buildings in close vicinity.

Town hall planners are expected to decide the outcome of the application by the end of January.