A DETERMINED developer is to fight-on for permission to build controversial luxury flats.

Atherton-based Engleford Ltd has lodged an appeal against a Bolton Council planning committee decision to reject plans to build the three housing blocks in Sharples.

David Monks, the company's managing director, declared his intention to take his application to the Government's planning inspector even before the project had been turned down by councillors.

It was refused on the grounds that it would be an overdevelopment of the site, and out of character with the surrounding area. After the hearing, Mr Monks accused planning officers of pandering to local public feeling.

The council received 50 letters objecting to the scheme, and around 60 people attended a meeting at Oaks School called to oppose the plans.

Under the developer's proposal, three two-story blocks would be erected in Stonyhurst Avenue and Sweetloves Lane.

They would house 18 two-bedroom and six one-bedroom flats, which the company hopes to sell for between £90,000 and £120,000 each.

Two houses would have to be demolished to make way for the scheme.

Conservative Councillor Stuart Lever, who represents the Astley Bridge ward, said he was confident the planning inspector would reject the plans.

He said: "This site is not big enough for 24 apartments, but this developer is determined because he is playing for high stakes. It is an overdevelopment of the site, and the planning committee was right to turn it down.

"It appears the developer is attempting to get as many properties on the site as he can which will cause more traffic problems."

Simon Haworth, who lives in Stonyhurst Avenue, said: "This is a development too far."

No one from Engleford Ltd was available for comment after the meeting.