New houses could be set to be built over open land, sparking concerns that access routes will need to be “brought up to standards.”

This comes after an outline application was put forward to build eight new houses off Redcar Road in Little Lever.

But Bolton Council’s highways authority have already said that they would not be supportive of the scheme in its current form.

A statement said: “Although the level of traffic impact associated with eight additional properties at that location will be negligible and should be accommodated with little additional detriment/severity to road safety, amenity and the operational capacity of the surrounding highways, the proposed site layout is unacceptable and will not meet the council’s standards for adoption.

The plans have been put before Bolton CouncilThe plans have been put before Bolton Council (Image: UH Design Architectural Services)

“The access routes from Church Street are via Fearneyside and Back Church Street South which according to the council’s highway asset register are unadopted sections of public highway and are sub-standard and in a poor state.

“Both will need to be brought up to adoptable standards to facilitate development.”

The outline plan was entered to Bolton Council on September Friday 13 this year.

Little Lever has already seen several major new housebuilding projects in recent years including the Creams Mill scheme.

This approved on appeal after a public enquiry having originally have been refused by Bolton Council and will build 255 new houses across two sites off Mytham Road and off Hall Lane.

In July this year another major Little Lever development, the £12.5m Lever Gardens Court scheme, officially opened after several years of work.

This created more than 60 new flats for people over the age of 55 off Dearden Street.

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Though smaller in scale, the outline plan for the eight new houses off Redcar Road though council’s highways authority has said it is concerned about the effects on a public right of way.

They say that proper procedures for closing and re-routing will need to be considered.

A neighbourhood consultation has been launched for people living nearby on Church Street, Maldon Close and Redcar Road.

Bolton Council will aim to decide whether to approve the outline plans by November Friday 8.