PLANS to replace a 19th century farmhouse on Green Belt land have been submitted.

The owner of Old Holts Farm, in Roaring Brook Road, Tottington, wants to demolish the building and build a new home.

The farmhouse dates back to the early 1800s but has not been used for farming purposes for more than 100 years.

Owner Ged Graham is unable to live in the home he shares with his family because it is falling down.

Under the proposals, he will demolish the existing house and build a new two-storey version with a garage elsewhere on-site.

An 18-month investigation was carried out to determine the cause of deterioration and find an option that would retain the existing building.

Frank Whittaker, from Town Planning Consultants, said: “Over the last two to four years cracks have been appearing and the building is giving way due to its location and water coming down from the hillside.”

A previous application was refused by Bury Council’s planning committee.

The farm is currently used for the growing, stripping and the sale of garden turf and stone.