BUILDINGS last used by an arms manufacturer are set to be knocked down to make way for four new industrial units.

The site in Lostock Industrial Estate, known as Platinum Business Park, was previously occupied by MBDA Missile Systems but has been vacant since the company relocated some years ago.

Now an office furniture building wants to expand its business by creating a new purpose-built unit next to its existing office.

The application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture has been approved by the council.

Three of the new units have been proposed on a "speculative basis", according to the application submitted by Gresham Office Furniture.

It said: "The proposals constitute sustainable development by reusing this existing brownfield site to deliver high quality design in both appearance and layout which will secure the long term future of this employment site."

"The development will also create significant employment opportunities in an accessible location within a borough where unemployment figures remain higher than both the Greater Manchester and UK averages."

The 2.3-hectare site east of the M61 sits between Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park and the University of Bolton Stadium on one side and the Bolton Wanders' football academy on the other.

It is located to the south of Destinology, a luxury, tailor-made holiday company.