PLANS to build a 119-bed nursing home on the site of a former nightclub have been turned down.

Councillors said the proposed building would be too high and would take up too much room on the land where Blighty's nightclub used to be in Church Road, Farnworth.

But they added that a smaller development of 80 beds would be acceptable.

The planning committee had already agreed outline permission for the smaller home and its members will now wait to see whether the developer submits another application.

Cllr Pauline Spencer told the meeting: "Everyone is quite happy with an 80 bed home, but 119 beds is just a step too far.

"I've also got a particular fear that the land next to it could become subject to planning blight if the 119-bed home is built.

"The building would be too high and the development would be too intensive."

Other councillors said the 119-bed building would create extra traffic and questioned whether it was a good idea to house elderly people over three floors.

Cllr Norman Critchley said: "A 119-bed home could have a detrimental effect on the site next door. It would also create extra traffic.

"I'm quite happy to go back to the original plan for a 80-bed home."

Residents living near the site objected to the proposed building because of its size and because it is too near their homes.