A decision to build more than 100 new houses in Darcy Lever has been put on hold after concerns were raised over it being affected by potential Metrolink plans.
The plans are for land north of Radcliffe Road, where 112 detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are proposed to be built.
A number of councillors raised questions about the development in reference to the potential for a Metrolink extension between Bolton to Bury, which would be around the area of the new development.
Concerns were also raised in regard to eight of the houses being on greenbelt land, and that there are no plans for affordable housing on the development.
Supporter John Coxon spoke in favour of the development.
He said: “As we’ve heard, most of this site is brownfield land. Eight houses are on greenbelt land.
“The houses proposed to the rear of 659 Radcliffe Road would largely be screened from view, and the site will be contained by the landscape.
“There is an absence of affordable housing, however it is necessary to exclude affordable housing to make the brownfield site viable.”
Cllr Nick Peel, leader of the opposition, motioned for the plans to be deferred to allow for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to provide more detail on the potential for affordable housing.
He said: “I would argue that the heart of the so-called housing shortfall in Bolton is a shortfall of affordable housing and social housing.
“I’m minded to move towards deferment of the application.
“We need more detail on the Section 106 (developer contribution to the area) viability.
"When we have challenged the inclusions about viability, officers have come back to future meetings and found that there is some additional money that can be put into the community.
“Transport for Greater Manchester on this line, people are campaigning for that Metrolink to be established between Bolton and Bury.
“I propose to defer to note the views of TfGM on this, to come to a more rounded decision.”
Cllr Elaine Sherrington, who represents Tonge with the Haulgh, agreed with Cllr Peel’s movement.
She added: “Radcliffe Road is extremely dangerous as it is.
"It would finish up now with what I see as being 250 extra cars on that road.”
She supported Cllr Peel in his motion for a deferral.
Cllr Anne Galloway added: “I support deferment to look at the Section 106.
"Especially when we bear in mind it would be building eight houses on greenbelt land to make it more viable.”
Cllr Marie Brady also voiced her support for the motion, highlighting that TfGM should make submissions.
The council then voted on the motion, with all councillors present voting to defer the proposal.
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