‘BADLY prepared’ plans to build a temporary compound for materials and staff working on the M62 Smart Motorway upgrades have been approved.

Proposals for the site on an agricultural field next to Holcroft Lane came before the development management committee on Wednesday.

The green belt site is approximately 500 metres to the north of the M62.

Applicant bmJV confirmed it is due to be in place for around one year.

The compound will consist of one storage building, one welfare block, which will include a canteen and toilet, and one gate hut and open-air storage facility.

Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council objected, along with four residents.

Residents raised concerns over the site operating 24 hours a day on six days a week, a lack of consultation and noise at unsocial hours.

During Wednesday’s meeting, resident Jim Carr said the proposal deserves to be refused.

He added: “We are appalled that this application spent several pages consulting and considering the impact on local wildlife but not one word, not one word, of consultation or consideration of the impact on people.

“We look after each other and care for our environment.

“There is no dispute this site is in the green belt.

“The proposal is poorly conceived, badly prepared, causes significant damage to the openness of the green belt and to the amenity of residents.”

But Ella Roebuck, from bmJV, defended the application before confirming there will be a 24-hour contact number to allow residents to report any issues.

She said: “We will be monitoring it closely.

“We would not be touching the existing trees and hedging.

“In terms of the lighting, we will be very mindful of the wildlife and residents in our choice of lighting.”