Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever homes plan on railway line

If approved the scheme, by Westchurch Homes Ltd, will build a total of 137 houses over a former railway line on land north of Radcliffe Road in Darcy Lever.

The developers have argued that their plan is significantly different from the previously rejected  scheme, by Morris Homes, and that they have taken concerns about green belt land on board.

A statement from planning consultancy Litchfields said: “In relation to the Morris Homes application at the site which had an officer recommendation to approve subject to conditions.

“The council’s planning committee determined that the very special circumstances case that had been presented did not outweigh the harm caused to the purposes and openness of the green belt.

The plans have been lodged by Westchurch Homes Ltd (Image: Litchfields)

“On this basis, the council refused the Morris Homes application for this reason alone.

“Taking into account the planning committee’s concern, this subject planning application does not propose any homes within parcel three which comprises allocated green belt.

“The secondary emergency access, pump station and substation, and public open space proposed within this parcel are considered to be appropriate development in accordance with the Development Plan and the Framework in relation to the green belt.

“Therefore, there will be significantly less impact from the proposed development than the Morris Homes scheme that was recommended for approval.”

The land is found off Radcliffe Road in Darcy Lever (Image: Newsquest)

The Morris Homes scheme had been for a somewhat smaller estate of a 115 homes on the same land and was put before Bolton Council in October 2021.

But planning committee members voted to refuse the plan in July 2023.

At the time, they cited concerns about green belt land and the effect more housing could have on the possibility of extending the Metrolink into the former railway line. 

Morris Homes has since launched an appeal against this refusal, which is still under consideration.

But in the meantime, Westchurch has drawn up and submitted its new plans which include a mixture of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

ALSO READ: Developer launches appeal after plans for 112 homes rejected

ALSO READ: Crunch vote on plan to build houses on field used for 'grazing horses'

ALSO READ: 115 home development will 'ruin' green space

They claim that their plans will overcome any potential harm caused and will help Bolton meet its housing commitments.

The statement said: “The proposals provide residents with on-site open space as well as incidental landscaping through the development creating an attractive environment for those living there and visiting.

“The connection to the existing footpath network via the former railway line also integrates the development with surrounding countryside.”

Bolton Council will aim to decide whether or not to approve the plans by Tuesday April 30 this year.