PLANS to build seven homes in a "wildlife corridor" have been rejected by the council.

A planning application was submitted to build seven five-bedroom town houses on land off Back Irlam Street North, off Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge in November last year.

However, Bolton Council has rejected the plans.

The seven residential homes would have been accessed from Myrrh Street onto what is described as a ‘brownfield site’ next to the Astley Brook.

The land has previously been used for the storage of agricultural vehicles, agricultural equipment and different related materials and also consists of outbuildings which are “in various states of condition and use” according to the applicant, SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd, of Westhoughton.

The Bolton News: An aerial view of the land where seven homes were proposed off Back Irlam Street NorthAn aerial view of the land where seven homes were proposed off Back Irlam Street North

They believed the change the use of the site from an agricultural storing space into residential homes would create a “family-friendly environment” with a “communal green space”.

This would bring the land back under use in a positive way, according to the developers.

An officers report from the council said the area is “mixed broadleaf woodland which is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), Greater Manchester BAP and Bolton BAP habitat and a Wildlife Corridor”.

The Bolton News: A proposed visual of the seven new "multi-generational" town houses planned off Back Irlam Street North (rear view)A proposed visual of the seven new "multi-generational" town houses planned off Back Irlam Street North (rear view)

This put the proposal in opposition to council planning policies (CG1.2) which look to “safeguard and enhance the urban areas of the borough in respect of its biodiversity including trees hedgerows, and protected species”.

The application was also objected to by the Coal Authority who said the site was a ‘high risk’ development area with a ‘coal mining risk assessment’ not submitted with the plans.

The applicant can appeal the decision.