FIFTY-six homes are to built on an ancient farm site at Golborne, despite protests from villagers.

Locals believe the proposals for Town Farm, off Warrington Road, will cause noise, spoil the environment and make the nearby roads unsafe.

Among the plans, listed buildings will also be refurbished, which residents disagree with.

New homes on the site near Golborne Island, off the East Lancashire Road, will include detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

Councillors Peter Franzen and Peter Solinas also objected to the development which, they fear, will create flooding and the loss of an historic site.

But English Heritage has no objections to the proposal, nor has Wigan Council's listed buildings and conservation officer.

But planners have added conditions to their approval: the council must be consulted before any roads, footpaths or driveways are built and no work is to start before an approved archaeological investigation.