A planning inspector ruled against the owners of Ashfield House Hotel, in Standish, who launched an appeal in May after Wigan Council rejected plans to turn the listed building into apartments and to build luxury flats in the grounds.

Ian Beasley, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate to conduct the inquiry, dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the proposed changes to the application were inappropriate.

But the controversial redevelopment will go ahead because a second application, submitted shortly after the first application was rejected, has been approved by Wigan Council.

Council officials previously expressed their surprise that the owner, Mel Street, had continued with the appeal once permission for the second scheme was granted.

In his decision, Mr Beasley stated: "The appellants' primary objective is to obtain permission for the proposed development without a condition requiring a financial contribution for the provision and maintenance of off-site play equipment.

"Should this fail, the appellants seek permission subject to a condition requiring the provision of a play space and equipment on-site, in lieu of off-site provision."

Under Wigan Council's development plan, housing developers are encouraged to make a "proportionate contribution" to local services, whether to existing or new facilities.

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