CONTROVERSIAL plans for 30 flats on the site of a former community hall look set to be refused.

Michael Riddell, of Lacey Enterprises, wants to build a four to eight storey block on the former St Clement’s church hall, in Rectory Grove, Leigh.

Planning officers recommend rejection of the proposal because of a lack of affordable housing in the scheme. It is the latest episode in a long-running saga.

In 2008, a planning appeal secured permission for 20 flats above a community hall, but the recession meant the plan was shelved.

The latest plan increased the number of flats and dropped the community hall element.

Chris Ward, 52, who lives in neighbouring St Clement’s Court and helped lead the unsuccessful fight to save the church hall in 2006, said: “Let’s hope the councillors see the sense in refusing this.

“The hall was only ever a sop by the developers to try and push it all through last time, with no regard for the people of Leigh.”

In a report to councillors, case officer Dean Hermitage said the applicant argued the hall was left out because no individuals or groups came forward to run it, and suggested there was no shortfall of community space in Leigh.

The report also states the amount of time that has passed since the demolition of the hall has weakened the argument for its inclusion.

Leigh Town Council chairman Pat Holden said: “I’m pleased it’s up for refusal, but I’m really disappointed a lack of affordable housing is why they are turning it down.

“This isn’t the concern of people in the area, they are concerned about the loss of the hall and the fact it will be an eyesore.”

Although a £75,065 educational contribution has been provisionally agreed between the developer and the council, the absence of a signed legal agreement is also cited as a reason for refusal.

Members of the development control committee will vote on the application at a meeting on Wednesday.