BATTLING residents have lost their fight to scupper plans for a controversial development on Bolton woodland and open space.

Some people living close to the proposed housing site on land south of Moss Bank Way, Smithills, say they will now move house rather than watch building work begin.

They they are "appalled" and "bitterly disappointed" by an inspector's decision to grant outline planning permission to Wain Homes (Northern) Limited.

The developers propose to use one third of the 3 hectare site to build 15 houses on, giving the rest of the land to Bolton Council to become parkland.

But furious residents say the housing scheme will ruin a patch of valuable land, regularly used by hundreds of locals.

The scheme came under scrutiny following a public inquiry held in Bolton on November 25, chaired by Government inspector Robin Muers.

Now, in a seven page report, he has ruled that outline permission be granted, subject to certain conditions, including provision for extra landscaping.

Mr Muers also decided that any extra traffic resulting from the development, would be "unlikely" to cause problems.

But yesterday Jackie Wadsworth, of Reifield, slammed the decision which she claims will turn the quiet cul-de-sac where she lives into a busy main road.

The mum-of-three added: "We're moving house now and that's partly due to this decision.

"People will be virtually living on a building site and I just don't want that."

The decision was also attacked by Smithills councillor Joseph Higson, who added: "I'm very angry that the inspector did not listen to the voice of the people or the voice of the planners.

"This is an area of land which people have used for a long time although there was no designated right of way.

"I'm very disappointed."

But Paul Sedgewick, acting on behalf of Wain Homes, stressed that the company will enter into an agreement which will ensure two thirds of the site will be dedicated to recreation.

He added: "We are all delighted with the result and it gives us the opportunity to not only provide houses in that part of Bolton but to ensure the remaining open area is dedicated for public access and major conservation."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.