I WOULD like to object to the proposed planning application 96670/16, the former Horwich College site.

Whilst it is disappointing to be losing the educational facility which Bolton Council's own core strategy, point OA1 advises is "the principal focus for post-16 education in the western part of the borough," the most disappointing aspect of the plans for me are the loss of yet another football field in Horwich.

As a member of the Friends of Horwich Football, and as a member of Horwich First, I have campaigned that there should be no building on sports pitches, or green open spaces in Horwich. Whilst I am not intrinsically against housing development, developments should generally add to the existing community, rather than be a drain.

Horwich has already taken far more than its fair share of the borough's new build and the cumulative negative effects of the its housing plans on Horwich's infrastructure, for highways, traffic and sporting and leisure provisions should be taken into account when assessing developments.

If houses have to be built at the college, I believe that the number of properties should be reduced by approximately 30, so that only 100 are built, covering the footprint of the former college building and other concreted areas. The college field can then remain not built upon. This will allow a green space for the community, including residents of the new properties, also retaining important sports infrastructure.

The Environment Agency has objected to the development due to concerns about drainage and flooding and the council’s drainage section has recommended refusal. If they have concerns about building on the college field, then surely it should be retained for community use and not developed.

A smaller development would obviously reduce Section 106 money, 30 fewer properties would mean approximately 23% less developer contributions.

I know Cllr Richard Silvester has suggested this, so that it is once again available for community use. I hope the planning committee take on this proposal which would not only mitigate the loss of the college, but actually enable a broadly positive development for the town.

Cllr Steven Chadwick

Independent

Lever Park Ward