Two different developers are in possession of planning permission for the same site after the approval of a second scheme for Darcy Lever.

Morris Homes applied for planning permission a number of years ago while Westchurch Homes applied for planning permission this year.

Morris Homes' plan, for around 110 homes, was approved this year while Westchurch Homes' plan, for around 130 homes, was up for approval at the town hall this week.

The developments are on the same site and are a mix of one-to-four-bed apartments and houses but there are differences including the availability of affordable homes and the impact on the Green Belt.

(Image: Morris Homes)Morris Homes' plan includes zero per cent affordable homes and eight homes on the Green Belt and Westchurch Homes' plan includes 100 per cent affordable homes and no homes on the Green Belt.

Morris Homes and around a dozen residents were among the objectors to Westchurch Homes and there were representatives for the developers at the town hall this week.

Mark Cox, for Morris Homes, said: "Around a third of the application site is in our ownership and we have planning permission for a development.

"We bought a part of the application site with the intention of delivering our development and we have no interest in disposing of our development."

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Jane Aspinall, for Westchurch Homes, said: "I urge you not to consider the issue [of ownership] and to consider it on its merits.

"It is 100 per cent affordable housing for Great Places Housing Group and none of the affordable housing is on the Green Belt."

The Planning Committee approved the second scheme although there were concerns among councillors about affordability.

Only one development is allowed to be taken on and it is between the developers as to who is to take on the development.

(Image: Westchurch Homes) Rob Morrisey, a councillor for Breightmet Ward, said: "We can argue about affordable housing but I agree it would be a mistake to go against it as it is more acceptable than the one already passed by the Planning Inspectorate.

"The ecology is a reason for refusal but it is outweighed by the affordable housing."

The Bolton News asked Morris Homes and Westchurch Homes for a comment.

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