I READ with interest the article regarding the Hulton Park Estate development and neighbourhood plan with Peel Holdings making the following quoted comment: “There is no justification for the extent of the proposed area...The proposed area includes greenbelt...and includes a heritage asset of national importance."

Have Peel Holdings just slipped up and objected to their own application for over 1,000 houses and smoke screen golf course? For once I will agree with Peel; there is no justification whatsoever to build on this greenbelt, and it is laughable that Peel are using the same argument that residents are using to object to their planning application, to object to a local community trying to protect their area.

If it is Peel's opinion and perhaps new-found conscience that this area is so important in terms of greenbelt and heritage, they should withdraw the application. As it stands however, it appears that Peel will say what is needed to suit any argument, and if that means complete contradiction then so be it.

Cllr Ryan Battersby

Westhoughton Town Council