WHAT is happening to our green spaces? Like many other areas in and around Bolton, Horwich seems to be coming under siege by developers anxious to build enormous, out of scale “prestige” houses on every available open space.
Two particularly glaring examples can be seen opposite the Blundell and opposite Bob’s Smithy on Chorley Old Road, where large new three-storey houses are changing the whole look of the landscape, towering over existing buildings and blocking views to Winter Hill from below.
Other proposed developments aim to build over gardens or other open space, often with the loss of the kind of mature tree cover that we desperately need in order to absorb carbon and combat climate change.
One proposal on Foxholes Road was recently refused by the council but only after a concerted campaign by local residents. Another, on Factory Hill, is being recommended for acceptance by the Planning Officer.
These developments are the consequences of our present “developer-led” planning system. What we need is a clear statement of local needs and wishes and a policy that will ensure that all new developments comply with these. In the case of Horwich there are moves to develop a local plan – please support this! You can contact the organisers at horwichneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com.
Rod Riesco
Bolton Green Party
Stoneycroft Road
Horwich
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