HISTORY watchdogs fear convent homes will ruin the setting of an imposing Victorian building.

But planners have this week given the go-ahead for 10 apartments at the three storey Holly Bank, originally built as a pair of semis in 1873 in Leigh's Orchard Lane.

Then it was converted by The Sisters of Our Lady Apostles in to a missionary convent and more recently classed as a Grade Two Listed Building.

Almost two years ago separate plans were passed to turn the redundant convent in to two separate dwellings and to build a pair of semis and two detached homes within the grounds.

The latest application passed by planners involves converting the convent in to 10 apartments with garages, and erecting two, three storey apartment buildings each with garages and parking spaces.

Some people in neighbouring property fear the new buildings will mean loss of privacy and objected to the scheme. Conservation body English Heritage is concerned that the scale of development is excessive.

Historic Buildings Inspector Marion Barter said: "The siting and scale of the proposed development will obscure the listed building in key views and deprive it of much of its garden setting.

"This risks prejudicing the future viability of the historic building which requires a spacious setting and curtilage to compliment its special interest."

But planners ruled the convent building be converted and apartments offered at a reasonable market price before any new building work starts.