Bolton Council rejects planning application for houses in Harwood

Plans were submitted to build 20 houses on land categorised as "Other Protected Open Land" on Longsight Lane.

The plans were recommended for approval  - but planning bosses this afternoon rejected the application proposed to the south and east Of Meadowcroft Longsight Lane Harwood

More than 300 letters objecting to the development were sent in, including from  the Friends of Longsight Park with concerns raised about loss of open/green/recreation space, effect on wildlife/habitats, and loss of trees/veteran trees.

(Image: Jane Wilcock) 

The Woodland Trust also objected as did Bolton Ramblers.

 Chris Nash addressed the council as an objector to the application.

He said that "veteran trees would be affected by the application” and of these, two trees would be killed completely, having a detrimental affect on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

He added that Longsight Park is currently home to over 310 species of birds and mammals including deer, foxes, bats, mice, rabbits and pheasants. It also homes rare fauna.

Chris maintained that the loss of the veteran trees would have a detrimental affect for the residents living in the 16 houses nearby by increasing the risk of flooding and traffic on the lane, which was echoed by Cllr Amy Cowen.

Addressing the council in favour of the development was Andrew Thompson, who highlighted the "much needed homes" are to be built on "vacant and unused terrain" with the relevant proposals implemented, such as habitat management and creation.

(Image: Jane Wilcock) 

Developer Mr Forshaw added that of the 22 trees on the plot, only one officially met the criteria of veteran status.

Issues arose as to whether the houses would be legally able to accommodate more than three people due to their dimensions, a regulation that would be difficult to properly enforce if the properties were to be built.

Shaking his head in frustration, Chris branded the development as "crazy" and "just bonkers".

This raised questions about whether ensuring three residents lived per household would be practically enforceable, with Vice-Chairman Cllr Morrissey adding: "I don't think these are affordable houses of any quality."

Chairman Cllr Walsh said: "This development is cause for serious concern specifically because of its proximity to a site of biological interest and the significant negative impact on this will not be lost. It is for that reason I'm refusing the application."

Speaking to The Bolton News, Jane Wilcock said: “Today Bolton Council have stood up for tackling climate change.

“I’m delighted at Bolton Council’s support for recovery, green spaces and the conservation groups who work so hard to protect there areas. This small green area of Other Protected Open Land has been saved from buildings by the Bolton Council Planning Committee.

(Image: Jane Wilcock) 

“After two years we are exhausted, but we know the message is clear, our councillors stand with Bolton’s conservation groups and green space, they promote biodiversity, protect irreplaceable habitats, encourage people to travel and promote healthy and affordable housing, which this application did not demonstrate.

“We feel supported and the future for Bolton is bright.”

Among the objectors to the planning development was Cllr Les Webb, who described the development plan as “hanging over the community” and encroaching on a "unique SBI (site of biological interest) piece of land” with widespread objections across the borough.

Addressing the council, he added: “Today this issue affects Bradshaw and Harwood, but next week it could be any one of the other wards.

“It is a credit to the council that councillors of different parties have aligned with residents and Friends Groups to get behind this commonality for the benefit of the whole community and I thank Cllr Silvester for his co-operation on this issue.”

The council was almost unanimously in voting for the refusal of the proposal, with just one member abstaining from the final vote.