CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a housing estate in Darcy Lever have vowed to battle on after the proposals were put on hold.

As reported in yesterday's Bolton Evening News, the plans have been deferred by councillors so that the concerns of residents can be discussed.

Residents have complained that 130 new houses earmarked for land off Radcliffe Road would not only cause traffic chaos, but also affect green space and wildlife.

Bolton Council's planning and highways committee decided to defer making a decision after several councillors raised concerns that there were no suitable play facilities on site and that there was some confusion amongst residents about the plans.

Cllr David Wilkinson called for the development to be built with its own play areas rather than developers paying for improvements at Leverhulme Park, as suggested by town hall officers.

He also called for bungalows to be included on the estate. Shepherd Homes Ltd have applied to build a mixture of three and four bedroomed houses on the site which fronts on to Radcliffe Road and stretches as far back as the Darcy Lever Sand Pits.

The main access, serving 116 houses would be on Radcliffe Road while a second access between Radcliffe Road and Croft Side would serve 14 houses.

The council has received letters of objection and concerned local people lobbied the planning committee when itconducted a site visit before the meeting.

Croft Side resident David Egan, aged 38, said he was "very pleased" the matter had been deferred. The development is planned to be built in front of his house.

"I think the councillors really did speak up for us and have taken on board our concerns, but this is just one small battle in the bigger war. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Helen Ireland, secretary of the Darcy Lever Residents Association said she was "very heartened" by the decision to defer.

"We will now get the chance to put a case together."

"Leverhulme Park is hundreds of yards away. We can all remember at one time kids could wander great distances but that's not the case today.

He said: "For a development this size there should a reasonable amount of play provision to start off with."

There have been plans to build on the site for the past ten years.

who works in local government,

"My seven year old son is upset about the new houses because he is worried it will take away his play area. I'm going to suggest even he writes a letter."