Bolton Council is in line for almost £400,000 to make improvements to a junction near Logistics North.

The six-figure sum is linked to the approval of planning permission for the logistics park a decade ago.

Applicant Harworth Group agreed to Section 106 agreements requiring it to make improvements to two junctions in Bolton – Four Lane Ends and the junction of Plodder Lane/Watergate Lane in Over Hulton – as well as one junction in Salford – the junction of Cleggs Lane and Manchester Road in Little Hulton.

The work around Four Lane Ends is done but the work around the other junctions is in the design stage.

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Now Harworth Group is after amendments to the Section 106 agreements allowing it to the cover the cost of the work at Plodder Lane/Watergate Lane and Cleggs Lane/Manchester Road rather than carrying out the work itself.

If the council approves its amendment when its planning committee meets at the town hall this week, the council is in line for a total of £394,894.18 to take on an alternative scheme which is more appropriate for active travel.

(Image: Google)

A report to the planning committee said: "Since Logistics North has been occupied it has been noted the Plodder Lane/Watergate Lane junction is operating at a vehicular capacity less than predicted at the time the planning application was assessed.

"Therefore, an increase in the vehicular capacity of this junction is no longer necessary to accommodate Logistics North's traffic. Indeed, such an improvement is no longer necessary, and therefore it fails one of the tests as a Section 106 requirement."

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The alternative scheme which is more appropriate for active travel includes a new cycleway on Plodder Lane, a new footway on Watergate Lane, the widening of lanes and the updating of markings.

The total of £394,894.18 is to be spent within 10 years or it is to be returned to the applicant and the rest of the Section 106 agreement between the council and Harworth Group is unamended.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.