A HISTORIC landmark popular with ramblers could be restored under new plans.

Grants Tower, in Ramsbottom, is the subject of a planning application that could see it repaired and protected for future generations.

Part of the restoration work on the tower, which was built in 1829, has already been undertaken by its current owner, Gary Buckley, who is seeking part retrospective permission for the repairs.

The tower, at Top O Th Hoof Farm, was built by brothers Daniel and William Grant and is said to mark the location where the Grants had their first sight of the town where they made their fortunes, having travelled from Scotland with their family in the early 1780s.

It was 50ft high when first built, but deteriorated over time and collapsed in September 1944.

A statement submitted with the planning application said: "This application will halt the deterioration of a former landmark within the borough. It will see the remains of the tower be restored, and the installation of a new roof will prevent water ingress and further damage to the interior.

"The occasional use of the tower by the owner will ensure that it is maintained into the future, and will remain structurally sound for the safety of walkers and ramblers."

The plans indicate that the north and south wings of the ground floor will be retained and repaired externally, but remain filled with the collapsed rubble and earth that has built up over the years.

The central part of the tower would form the one and only room in the proposal, with a wood burning stove fitted to an existing chimney breast, the original flagged floors repaired, and stonework repointed.

Mullioned windows on the front and side of the tower have already been reinstated with original stonework found during the site clearance.

The restoration would still leave the site with the appearance of a "partial ruin, but one that is maintained and dressed to prevent any future deterioration."

The main change to the building will be the installation of a zinc roof covering over the main ground floor room.

The statement adds: "In early 2016, the owner decided to do something about the tower and its constant deterioration. However, the extent of the work and indeed to scope for restoration could not be assessed until the land around the tower had been excavated.

"Much of the original stonework from the tower had been removed by the previous owners and used to build an extension to the main farmhouse. The remaining stone, left around the base of the collapsed tower, was cleaned and retained.

"Upon excavating the site, the applicant discovered original flagged floors, a fireplace and a staircase up to the first floor. It was only at this point that a realistic proposal for the tower emerged."