AN ‘EXCITING’ regeneration plan to bring a former council depot back into use has been revealed.

Bolton at Home wants to build 21 new affordable homes on the site of the old depot in Park Road, Westhoughton.

A statement submitted to Bolton Council with the plans, on behalf of Bolton at Home and the Casey Group, said that the development would “benefit both the new and existing local community and bring new life to the currently vacant site”.

It adds: “The development team including Bolton at Home and Casey are committed to the progression of these proposals and look forward to delivering this high quality housing to the local people at the earliest opportunity.

"This exciting regeneration scheme will benefit both the new and existing local community and bring new life to the currently vacant site."

When outline plans to develop the site were first put forward in 2014, angry neighbours claimed Bolton Council was ignoring their concerns about parking problems in the area.

The new plans are for 19 three-bedroom houses and two two-bed homes, a total of two more than was originally envisioned.

Westhoughton South councillor, David Chadwick, backed the redevelopment of the site three years ago and says he still supports the scheme.

Cllr Chadwick said: “I am in favour of building on brownfield rather than greenfield sites, so I would support this — particularly as it would provide affordable housing through Bolton at Home.

“Residents complain of this site being an area for anti-social behaviour, so this would also hopefully help solve that problem too.”

The applicants added that “every effort has been made to design a scheme which complements the existing buildings surrounding the site and is not overbearing or obtrusive”.

Councillors, parliamentary candidates, and residents have recently raised objections over other major building plans around Westhoughton — including on land at Lee Hall and the Hulton Park Estate.