A XANADU re-think has targeted transport and reduced the giant leisure complex's environmental impact.

Amendments to the planned proposals include reducing car parking by half.

Hot on the heels of Kenyon Junction station revelations come details of modifications which include slicing parking spaces from 3,000 to 1,665.

This week planners were told the changes would reduce the impact of the development on the environment and community.

Public transport facilities to the 55 metres high snowdome would be enhanced with an integrated bus station.

BARLA playing pitches would be retained, a coach park relocated further away from houses and visitors encouraged to use two wheeled transport with secure cycle and motorcycle parking.

Westleigh Brook would be diverted and revisions mean fewer trees would be axed, public footpaths integrated and four ponds dug to replace two which would be lost.

Drawings show landscaping mounds would be 70 metres from the nearest homes, and public footpaths integrated in the scheme.

Borough Planning officer John Sloane said: "I welcome the comprehensive of the site by public transport, reducing reliance on the private car and the emissions of greenhouse gases.

"The amended proposals make a significant step towards a more sustainable development.

"Given the reduced opportunity for on-site parking, measures may need to be considered to control parking in residential streets near the site."

A NEW railway station planned for Kenyon would be on the site of the old Kenyon Junction station alongside the Liverpool-Manchester railway.

It would be connected to Xanadu via a 7.3m carriageway, without footpaths but with a cycleway, along the line of the old Bolton-Kenyon railway joining the A579 at the A580 junction.

Parking for 539 cars is planned and access would be restricted from the East Lancs Road to Wilton Lane preventing cars creating a 'rat run'.

A PUBLIC inquiry about whether Xanadu should go-ahead begins on April 20 at Leigh Town Hall.

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