Harwood plans for homes prove controversial with residents

An applicant has launched plans to build the properties on land of New Heys Delph in Harwood.

The poposals have been made by Bury man Donald Taylor from Hawkshaw.

The location for the plans is on a field to the back of existing buildings.

But objections have been made.

Concerns were raised about the impact it would have on the public footpath.

A site plan uploaded by the applicants shows the homes would be near Brookbottom Cottage and in the field nearby.

Tony Bolton, who lives nearby, was one of the nearby residents to object.

The 57-year-old: "It will be in a conservation area, it is in close proximity to a public footpath.

"The area does not need more houses, it needs the green space for dog walkers and children.

"It will cause more pollution in the area.

"It is not wanted.

"People use the footpath from 6am to 10pm.

"I do not know anyone who is in support of it.

"We have wildlife in the area as well, we have got wild deer and bats and birds.

"There are also trees with protection orders on them."

Naomi Ainscough-Durkin, another nearby resident, was also among those to object.

The 44-year-old said: "The path up to it is a single lane one.

"My family of three which includes a seven-year-old side by side cannot fit in it.

"Cars cannot pass each other on it.

"When a car comes up you have to quickly find somewhere to stand.

"Recently a removal truck could not get through to a property near it."

And Highways Engineering has also objected to the plans.

A document from them said: "According to the submitted information and the red-edge of the site boundary, the site will be served from Riding Gate via Top O'th Brow.

"According to the Councils Highway Asset Register this section of highway is unadopted and carries a public right of way.

"The access route is sub-standard in term of carriageway width, footway provision and forward visibility and although it serves existing properties at that location, it is my opinion that this access would be unsuitable to support the traffic associated with additional development on this site."

It adds: "The Local Highway Authority is not supportive of what is being proposed under this application."

The agency of the applicant, KG Planning, declined to comment on the objections to the plan.

People can comment on the proposals until July 5 by visiting Bolton Council website.

Elsewhere in Harwood residents are battling against plans for 26 homes on land to the south and east of Meadowcroft on Longsight Lane in Harwood.

There were also plans launched for homes on vacant land off Longsight Lane last year.