PERMISSION has been granted to build 16 homes on the site of a historic pub which was bulldozed.

The houses will be developed in place of the former Black Horse pub, on Moss Bank Road, Moss Bank which was knocked down despite months of battling by residents to save the building.

The pub closed its doors nearly five years ago, with councillors voting in favour of its demolition in August 2013 much to the sadness of campaigners.

Plans for the development, which were received by the local authority last September, were passed despite five letters of objection being written against them.

Residents expressed concerns over parking provision and worries over the new properties causing the local sewer system to overflow citing previous problems with flooding during heavy rain.

United Utilities stated they had no objection to the proposals as long as foul and surface water is drained on separate systems, a surface water drainage scheme is submitted to the local planning authority prior to development and a sustainable drainage management and maintenance plan for the lifetime of the development is submitted.

An original planning application had been granted in 2013 but subsequently applicants made adjustments to the design of the house types.

Plans said the development would provide "a new mix of two, three and four bedroom homes" and "provide

a wide variety of options for the community".

A previously approved tree planting schedule will be retained and implemented and the application states: "New trees will provide partial privacy, interest in height and colour and soften the built forms of the new houses."

Planners gave the nod to the plans earlier this month.