More than 330 people and the Woodland Trust have objected to a housing development close to protected ancient trees.

The Bolton News reported last week that Bolton’s planning committee is set to decide next week on plans to build an estate of 20 homes at Longsight Lane in Harwood. Of the 20 homes, seven are classed in the application as ‘affordable’.

A planning report to be put before the committee said two accesses are proposed from Longsight Lane one to serve the rear parking for the affordable houses and the other to serve nine homes in the rear portion of the site.

The two storey housing is a mix of terraced, semi and detached of two, three and four beds. The planning report, said: ” The site is on the edge of the predominantly residential area of Harwood.

“It is made up of two roughly triangular parcels which meet at a narrow pinch point towards the centre. This separates the housing into two distinct parts.

“The site is formed of unmanaged grass and scrub, bramble, tall herb vegetation and broadleaved trees and is mainly flat.”

The site is next to a wooded valley forming the Castle Croft and Bradshaw Brook site of biological interest. It is also close to Millennium Wood. The Woodland Trust have objected to the plans on the grounds that the development could affect ‘veteran trees’ near the site.

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They, said: “Veteran trees are irreplaceable habitats and should be protected from loss or detrimental impact. Any development resulting in the loss or deterioration of a veteran tree should not be taken forward unless there are wholly exceptional reasons.

“The Woodland Trust objects to this application on the basis of deterioration and harm to seven veteran trees recorded on the Ancient Tree Inventory, with associated loss of veteran characteristics.”

The application has 334 objections from local addresses and Friends of Longsight Park prior as part of a consultation. Objections include the loss of open, green recreation space, the effect on wildlife and habitats and the effect on a site of biological interest.

Others cited lack of local amenities, increased traffic and noise nuisance.

Included in the plans are conditions attached by the council that if approved the developer contribute £129,788.94 for primary and secondary school places and £31,600 for play space and that there be an affordable homes element and biodiversity net gain.

The matter is up for a decision by the planning committee on Thursday, November 7.