A PUBLIC footpath described as a "green corridor" would be built on if plans for a new block of flats are given the go ahead.

The proposal to build a five-storey building on land next to the Matalan store in Tonge Moor Road would affect the Tonge Trail, if planning permission is granted.

The plans for 30 one-bedroom flats relate to a former industrial site alongside the River Tonge.

If the council gives Nottingham-based developer Russell Foster the green light, a stretch of the footpath would be realigned in front of the new building.

But councillors have said that this land should not be built on at all.

Tonge with the Haulgh councillor Martin Donaghy will be speaking against the application if it is discussed by the planning committee.

He said: “The land in question is a gateway into the Tonge Trail, an eight-mile pedestrian route. It’s like a green corridor. We don’t think it’s appropriate at all to build on this. I will be speaking at planning committee and opposing it.

“It’s the only open land in that part of Tonge Moor. It’s a green corridor, it’s protected open land and it’s not allocated for housing.”

Planning agents MHA Architects said the land is not classed as protected open space but it is part of the Lower Tonge Valley designation, which is considered to be a recreation site by Bolton Council.

Policy on this type of land states that some development on "informal" green spaces in the urban area should be permitted as long as it allows for the remaining green spaces to be improved.

Town hall planners will also consider whether it helps the council meet its strategic objectives for housing.

Hilary Garrett, associate director for business development at MHA Architects, said: "Where the proposals build over the small section of the Tonge Trail on the approach to the Matalan, there will be sufficient footpath that ensures direct unrestricted access between the trail and Tonge Moor Road.

"While the bulk of the apartment block will reduce immediate openness, the surrounding Lower Tonge Valley will otherwise remain open. It could be argued that the site itself does not detract from the openness of this area above and beyond the existing impact as a result of the scale and bulk of the Matalan building, associated car parking and existing apartment block immediately to the east."

The site, which "slopes steeply" towards the River Tonge, is approximately one mile east of Bolton town centre.

There are no buildings nor any other additional structures on the site which is south of the Matalan car park.

There is also a recently built residential development north and east of the site.

A total of 20 parking spaces would be available for the 30 apartments.

A spokesman for Lancashire Wildlife Trust said that local flora and fauna should be left in an improved condition, as it should be for any consented development.