Harwood: Protest against development off Longsight Lane

If approved, the plan will see 26 homes built to the south and east of Meadowcroft on Longsight Lane in Harwood.

Emery Planning previously said in a statement that the development would not “have an unacceptable impact on trees and ecology” and that it will allow “woodland sites that border the area to be maintained”.

However, residents gathered to share their concerns that the development will affect the public footpath, trees and the wildlife near Longsight Park, Harwood, particularly, they say, deer.

Phil Tottell – who lives near the proposed development – says that it will ruin the countryside he looks out to when he opens his gate, as well as sharing concerns over the wildlife living there.

• ALSO READ: Houses planned for 'vacant land' off Longsight Lane

He said: “There is plenty of wildlife and deer coming through, and plenty of dog walkers.

“It is an area, which is all used by the public.

“I’d prefer to look out on green open land, rather than houses.”

Linda Rothwell said she walks in the field with Martine Bateman most days and would be sad to see the greenery and the animals disappear.

Martine Bateman and Linda Rothwell (Image: Newsquest)

Linda said: “We walk here all the time.

“It’s so important to protect this field for all the animals.

“Where will all the animals go?

“Everybody uses this field, and it really is beautiful.”

Resident Janet  Taylor also says the area is a wildlife haven.

Cllr Stuart Haslam – who represent Bradshaw - also came to show his support for the residents and described the development as “inappropriate”.

Jane Wilcock and Janet Taylor (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I am fully behind the protest against this development.

“It is completely inappropriate, and I will do all I can to help this campaign.

“I will speak to the planning committee and do all I can.

“This is the green lump of Bolton and the amenity asset of Harwood and Bradshaw is very significant.”

A meeting will be held tomorrow( Thursday January 5) at 7pm at the Harwood Methodist Hall.

The plans were put before Bolton Council on Thursday December 15 and will be open for neighbourhood consultations until Tuesday January 10.

After the consultation period, the authority will decide whether or not to approve the bid.

Organiser Jane Wilcock has urged residents to write to the planning officer.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.