A NEW 88-home estate could be built on football pitches in Breightmet.

The estate would build over the current home of Bolton Wyresdale AFC, off Inverbeg Drive.

Plans submitted to Bolton Council this week by Westchurch Homes Ltd would develop five acres of playing fields and football pitches at the site.

A design and access statement from Westchurch, in support of the plans, said: “The application site is located within the settlement of Breightmet comprising a generally flat and rectangular in shape parcel of land extending 5.09 acres to the south of Inverbeg Drive.

“The site is the current premises of amateur football team Wyresdale AFC.

“The site consists a disused building and hardstanding used for parking to the north of the site, while the remaining site area comprises playing fields associated with Wyresdale.

“Access to the site can be gained from Inverbeg Drive.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the construction of 88 dwellings and associated works.

“The design will feature traditional materials and colour – the texture and detailing of which will be used to enliven the built form and street scene as well as providing a vibrant, welcoming and high-quality place to live.”

Bosses at Westchurch say the proposed homes would be two or two-and-a-half storeys and comprise of a mix of semi-detached and terraced types. All of the properties would have private gardens and driveway parking.

The report claims the ecological value of the site will be ‘enhanced’ by proposed areas of grassed open space across the development.

A tree impact report concluded there would be a loss of four individual trees, three groups of tree and on part group to the development.

It stated the proposed development includes 32 newly planted trees, various lengths of hedging, and a substantial number of shrubs in its landscaping scheme.

Wyresdale FC has three adult teams and an over-35s team.

Planners at Bolton Council will decide on the proposals in the next few weeks.