A controversial plan to build a new two floor house has been given the go-ahead despite concerns from residents.
The proposal to build the home off Halshaw Lane, Kearsley was brought before Bolton Council’s planning committee to be debated just last week.
Seven letters objection to the idea had been received and Cllr Paul Heslop, who represents the area, warned that the area had already experienced problems with parking on nearby Bolton road.
He said: “These houses on Bolton Road in that triangle are now afforded any parking.
“I know the parking space around that area is horrendous, particularly when people are coming home from work.”
He added: “The real evidence on the streets is that there is no parking.”
As well as the house itself, the plan also included associated landscaping and car parking space on a small area of disused land approximately 530sqm in area to the south of Halshaw Lane.
Cllr Heslop also added that he was not convinced that there was sufficient access around the area where the house would be.
His One Kearsley colleague Cllr Debbie Newall also felt that this would cause problems for people in the area.
She said: “It’s a shame we don’t do site visits anymore because then members would see the impact this would have.”
The letters of objection also cited concerns about the house overlooking other people’s homes, the noise from construction and the loss of light.
ALSO READ: Major plan for new supermarket, flats and football pitches put before planning chiefs
ALSO READ: Final call on plan for more than 100 homes on old railway cutting
ALSO READ: New plans drive forward Bolton bus service shake-up in time for September
But Bolton Council officers had recommended that the idea be approved, given that the size of the house was likely to be small and “would not result in overdevelopment of the site where a good-sized garden area would be provided to the rear of the dwelling with some areas to the side.”
A report said: “Overall, the dwelling in this location is considered to be of acceptable design and appearance and would not appear out of character in this location.”
The decision came to a closely contested vote, with the planning committee tied on whether or not to support the bid.
Ultimately the plan was approved after committee chair Cllr John Walsh decided to use his casting vote in its favour.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here