Controversial plans to build up to five home lands on green land in Bolton have been thrown out by planning officers at the council.

An applicant sought permission to build on properties on land off New Heys Delph in Harwood.

The plans were launched by Donald Taylor, from Hawkshaw.

He planned to build up to five homes on the field to the back of existing buildings.

But objections were launched to the plans.

Nearby residents said it would affect the right of way and was not wanted by people who live there.

And now the plans have been thrown out by Bolton Council.

A report from officers highlighted why the plans were inappropriate.

They said: "The application site comprises a field and part of the unadopted highway Top O’th’ Brow leading to the field.

"The field part of the site is allocated as Other Protected Open Land  within the council’s development plan.

"The whole of the site is also within the Riding Gate Conservation Area.

"The northern part of the site is also within a mineral safeguarding area for sandstone. Top O’th’ Brow runs through the site and this carries public right of way."

It added that while there may be some "minor economic benefit" to the plans.

It said: "The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be the provision of up to five dwellings, which would make a modest contribution to meeting the council’s current undersupply of housing land.

"There would also be some minor economic benefit in respect of construction and the contribution that new residents would make to local shops and services.

"It is considered that the development would result in harm to the character of the area and by reason of a substandard access into the development.

"It is considered that this harm should carry significant weight in the planning balance.

"It is considered that the adverse impacts of the development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the modest benefits of the proposal."

A decision notice was released confirming the plans had been rejected.