Plan for new Chequerbent, Westhoughton road could be delayed

The Bluebell Walk scheme just off Chequerbent in Westhoughton is set to include as many as 300 new homes when finished.

But Bolton West MP Chris Green says he was concerned to hear that the developers may be exempted from a condition ordering them to build and open a new road before people move in.

Mr Green said: “One of the biggest concerns my constituents have is over congestion and one of the worst places for congestion is between Chequerbent and Platt Lane.

“Bolton Council had said that they were going to support residents by making sure that the Bluebell Walk development would include a through road that would help reduce congestion.”

Plans for the Bluebell Walk development (Image: Cass Associates)

He added: “But it seems they have now reneged on that and so I am going to do all I can to make sure that the developers live up to their commitments even if the council won’t.”

Mr Green visited the site himself in March where he said he was concerned about what seemed to be the lack of work on the road.

 The Bluebell Walk plan had already proven to be a controversial one having first been refused all the way back in 2015.

But after a four-day inquiry held in June 2017 the council’s decision to reject the plan was overruled and the scheme allowed to proceed.

The Chequerbent Roundabout (Image: Google Maps)

But certain conditions included building the “through road” between Platt Lane and the Chequerbent Roundabout to help ease people’s concerns about traffic.

This agreement stated that the road would have to be opened before anyone moved into the 279th home on the site.

Just last December, Mr Green said on a previous visit to the site that he hoped the new through road would be ready by early 2024. 

But he claims to have received a letter saying that Bolton Council are now planning to exempt the developers from this condition.

The developers, Persimmon Homes, say that they have taken this step to ensure public safety and that they hope to be able to announce when the road will be opened soon.

A spokesperson said: “To ensure the safety of members of the public, a clear divide between construction activity and public access is being maintained while heavy construction work is ongoing.

“We have had positive discussions with Bolton Council regarding a safe and appropriate timeframe for when the road will be opened to the public and hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.”

The council has now confirmed that Persimmon has applied to vary the condition to open the through road first before the people move in to the remaining houses.

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But town hall officials say that they will consult with people in Westhoughton before taking a decision.

A council spokesperson said: “Persimmon Homes have raised health and safety concerns with the council concerning the opening of the spine road through a construction site.

“They have submitted a Section 73 application with the council for the variation of condition to open the spine road prior to the occupation of the dwellings.

“Prior to a decision being taken the council will consult with local residents, Westhoughton Town Council and consultees and take their views into consideration when assessing the application before coming to a recommendation.”