OUTLINE plans for the multi-million pound transformation of an industry-scarred valley have been approved by Bolton councillors.

The huge scheme, in the upper part of the Tonge Valley just below Crompton Way, will include business units and a major leisure complex.

But the boss of a company which would have to move out when the scheme goes ahead has pleaded with councillors to protect the wildlife that thrives in the valley.

Alan Mann's fireplace manufacturing and engineering business, Centredart Ltd, faces having to find alternative premises if the detailed scheme submitted by Tudor Properties of Bolton is given the final go ahead.

Tudor plans to transform the 14.2 hectares into a complex of business units, leisure uses - including a multiplex cinema - hotel, pubs, restaurants, craft village and small amount of housing.

The leisure facilities would also feature play areas, a "water feature" and a cycle way.

Only around 40pc of the total land will be built on and the rest will be reclaimed as open spaces. Mature trees, which are already under protection orders, will be retained.

Cllr Steve Hynes told planning councillors: "We must use this site to provide facilities for teenagers which are sadly lacking in north Bolton."

Access will be from Waters Meeting Road, via two new bridges.

Mr Mann, part owner of the Centredart company which has been in rented premises on the site for 15 years, said the area contained an "exciting variety of wild birds".

"In recent months, we have seen a lot of rare birds, including kingfishers, tawny owls, sparrow hawks, and even a barn owl," he said.

But the greatest thrill came recently when he saw a rare peregrine falcon bring down a pigeon as he was parking his car.

Bolton Council's planning brief stresses that any development of the valley will need to be sensitively carried out to protect wildlife along the Eagley Brook "green corridor".

And it says there will be close monitoring to ensure that the council's recently drawn up development control policy on nature conservation is strictly adhered to.

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