IMPROVEMENTS to a rural area including a 29-space car park near two fishing lakes has been approved by Bolton Council.

The plans intend to change and landscape land and build an access road and car park at Smiths Lodges, Smiths Road, Bolton.

A planning document gave details of the plans submitted by Mr I Webb.

It stated: “This is a resubmission of a previously approved scheme for the change of use of land and retention of two fishing lakes.

The proposal includes provision for access from Smiths Road, an access road, footpaths, the remodelling of land to provide landscaped areas and 29 car parking spaces.

“Retrospective permission is also sought for the infilling of a smaller overflow pond and the installation of a ‘monk’ type overflow.”

The site has two reservoirs, the larger northern reservoir and the smaller southern one.

It is to the south east of Bolton, between Darcy Lever and Little Lever, and is within the green belt, the Croal Irwell Valley and is designated as an area of

biological importance and is relatively open in appearance.

A large amount of material has previously been deposited to the west of the northern reservoir and a number of trees were removed along the eastern boundary of the site adjacent to the southern reservoir.

Material was deposited and compacted next to the southern reservoir in preparation for the access road.

To the south west of the site is Moses Gate County Park, to the west the River Croal, whilst to the north is an industrial estate.

To the east on the opposite side of Smiths Road is a small number houses and associated stables.

Bolton Council has now approved the plans.

Their conclusion, said: “This is a recreational use within the green belt and is therefore considered appropriate development.

“The application itself seeks to address works which have been undertaken on site without the benefit of planning permission and seeks to correct some of the damage to biodiversity, habitat and landscape which the unauthorised works resulted in.”