Bolton Council rejects planning application for house in Harwood

Plans were submitted to build 20 houses on land categorized as “Other conservation open land” on Longsight Road.

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

More than 300 letters objecting to the development were sent, including from Friends of Lonsight Park, raising concerns about the loss of open/green/recreational space, the impact on wildlife/habitats and the loss of trees/veteran trees.

The Woodland Trust also objected, as did Bolton Ramblers.

Chris Nash addressed the municipality to object to the application.

He said “experienced trees would be affected by the application” and of these, two trees would be killed completely, which would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

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

Questions arose over whether the houses would be legally able to house more than three people due to their size, an arrangement that would be difficult to properly enforce if the properties were built.

Speak with The Bolton News, Jane Wilcox said: “Today Bolton Council has spoken out in support of tackling climate change.

“I am delighted with Bolton Council's support for regeneration, green spaces and the conservation groups who work so hard to protect their areas. This small green area of ​​other protected open land has been saved from development by Bolton Council's planning committee.

“After two years we are exhausted, but we know the message is clear. Our councilors stand behind Bolton's conservation groups and green space, promoting biodiversity, protecting irreplaceable habitats, encouraging people to travel and promoting healthy and affordable housing, which this application did not demonstrate.

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

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

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

“It is an honor for the council that councilors from different parties have joined residents and friends groups to get behind this commonality for the benefit of the whole community and I thank Cllr Silvester for his cooperation on this matter.”

The council voted almost unanimously to reject the proposal, with only one member abstaining in the final vote.