PLANS to build homes on farmland have been pulled.

Up to five houses would have been built on a Westhoughton farm if plans were to be given the green light at the town hall.

But a planning application for the proposed development has now been withdrawn.

An existing rendered stone house, brick-built garage and wooden outbuildings in Yew Tree Farm would have be demolished to make way for the "good quality" homes.

The "semi-rural" site in Green Common Lane is not in the green belt but is located in a Protected Open Land Area.

Council policy states that some development could be permitted if it does not have a greater impact on the openness of the natural beauty spot than what already exists on the site.

The applicant, Mr Sydney John Williams, argued that the proposed redevelopment of the "well-screened" site would have a "limited" and "contained" impact.

But he withdrew the outline planning application, seeking planning permission in principle, this month.

Also in Westhoughton, plans for a five-bedroom house were withdrawn in November. The proposed three-storey dwelling would have been built on land adjacent to Barnfield Drive.