LAND where a school once stood could be used for an affordable housing project if a new development is given the green light.

The plans for 68 homes at the Breightmet site have been revealed as part of a partnership between a housing association and developer.

The proposed development at Withins Drive would have 51 houses and 17 flats.

A mixture of two and three-bedroom houses are planned alongside four one-bedroom cottage flats and 13 two-bedroom maisonette apartments.

All of the properties would be available as affordable rented accommodation, funded by Homes England.

Local councillors were briefed on the plans by Bolton At Home, the housing association working with Watson Homes on the development.

Cllr Debbie Newall described the proposal as “well thought out” and compared the properties to “Scandinavian-style” houses.

She said: “I think it’s good news for the area really. As long as I’ve been a councillor, there’s always been issues with fly-tipping at that site. The fact that it’s going to be developed is really good news.”

The site was last used by St Osmund and St Andrew R.C. Primary School but the building has now been demolished.

Previous plans for the site included a 90-bed care home and two housing developments of 30 and 41 homes respectively.

Watson Construction, which is purchasing the land, wants to start work on the site in November with aim of finishing by March 2021.