Objections over Bluebell Walk, Westhoughton road delay

This comes after the developers behind the 300 home Bluebell Walk scheme in Westhoughton asked for an exception on a condition ordering them to open a “new road” from Platt Lane to Chequerbent Roundabout to relief traffic.

But Westhoughton Town Council have now voted to reject this request amid concerns about traffic congestion and road safety.

Cllr David Wilkinson, of Westhoughton South, said: "We said that that road should go ahead because its part of the conditions and a lot of people have come to that conclusion."

He added: "But what we always really wanted all along was a bypass, a proper full blown bypass was the only way of dealing with traffic round there.

A map of the proposed consultation area (Image: Bolton Council)

"That would have solved our problems 30 odd years ago!"

The Bluebell Walk scheme had been a controversial one, having been refused by Bolton Council back in 2015.

But two years later this decision was overruled by government inspectors after a four day inquiry in June 2017.

One of the conditions had been that they would have to build and open the new through road to relieve concerns about the extra traffic the new homes would cause.

They had at first been told to build and open the new road from Platt Lane to Chequerbent before the 279th new house had been occupied.

Cllr Wilkinson said: "I have to say, I'm really concerned Chequerbent Roundabout, that's why everyone wanted a proper bypass not a half hearted one!"

But developers Persimmon Homes say that they have asked for an exemption from the condition to open the new road after they became concerns about public safety.

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.”

Bolton Council’s highways department has said is has “no reasonable objections on highways grounds” to allowing the developers to vary this condition.

This week the planning, finance and general committee at Westhoughton Town Council voted to reject the application and asked for it to be debated by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

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Council officials have already said that they will take people in the area and the town council’s views into consideration before they take decision.

A 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.”