Lostock residents meet Cllr Ray Barrow and James Stevens

RESIDENTS campaigning against new properties in leafy Lostock have met with a local councillor to voice their concerns.

Cllr Ray Barrow saw homeowners to discuss plans under consideration to bulldoze two large houses in Regent Drive and put up a development of 21 apartments.

As reported in the BEN, campaigners and local councillors are becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of development going on which, they fear, will spoil their attractive neighbourhood.

They have set up a website to warn local people about planning applications and are sending out leaflets in a bid to keep the area green. Cllr Barrow, whose Blackrod ward includes Lostock, said: "I have been contacted by lots of residents who are becoming increasingly concerned that the face of the area is changing.

"They are also concerned about the knock-on effects from more housing, including sewers and traffic systems that can't cope."

A scheme similar to the one currently under consideration to put 27 apartments on the site has already been rejected by planning officers.

Cllr Barrow was joined by prospective Tory MP candidate for Bolton West, James Stevens, who said the area was green belt and should not be built on. He added: "The proposed building is far larger than other neighbouring homes. It will dominate the landscape."