Developers are appealing a decision to throw out plans to build homes on the site of a former football pitch.

Westchurch Homes Ltd put forward proprosals to build 88 homes on the site of a the former home of Wyresdale AFC, off Inverbeg Drive, in Breightmet.

Under the proposals, the football club would move to land off Radcliffe Moor Road, less than a mile away in Radcliffe.

The plans were met with more than 140 objections with claims it was not a suitable spot for homes.

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Bolton Council rejected the plans in June last year saying the applicant had not proven the “loss of the recreational land would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location.”

The football club said it was disappointment after the decision.

The club, which has three adult teams, struck a deal with developer Westchurch Homes, which would see their old ground in Bolton used for affordable housing in exchange for them moving to a new site.

The developers have now launched an appeal against the decision and the outcome of will be decided by the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

The statements and comments from interested parties are due by March 22 and final comments from the appellants are due by April 5.

A date has not yet been set for the final decision decision.

The Football Foundation was among those to object to the plans.

It said: "This suggestion is contrary to Sport England playing fields policy and not only does it not meet policy, but we have real practical concerns for the delivery of replacement facilities if permitted to be undertaken in this manner.

“While it is encouraging the council is engaging with the club, we cannot support what is being proposed here and have significant concerns over the deliverability of new sporting provision unless prepared and operational in advance of existing playing field loss.”

However developers said it would provide high quality homes.

They said: “The proposals will provide 88 high quality, affordable dwellings.

“The scheme provides 100 per cent affordable homes, this is in excess of the policy requirement but will contribute to Bolton’s local housing need and meeting identified affordable housing need which is much needed.

“The proposals are of high-quality design, situated within a sustainable and appropriate location for residential development.

“It is therefore considered the proposals accord with national and local policy.”