CAMPAIGNERS are protesting about proposals to build homes on a field they say is popular with dog walkers and children.

Great Places Housing Group has submitted plans to build the houses on the land between Waggon Road, Winchester Way and Mobberley Road in Breightmet.

The group says the twohectare field is “infrequently used” and socially rented homes are needed.

But campaigner and Winchester Way resident Beverley Roscoe said building on the land would destroy a well-utilised green space.

She also claims it would overcrowd the area and cause road congestion.

Ms Roscoe, aged 53, who has lived next to the field for 30 years, wants to make her neighbours aware of the plans.

Ms Roscoe attended a public consultation event in Red Lane Primary School, but thinks many residents did not know it was taking place.

She said: “I have lived here 30 years and I love that field. I take my dogs in that field every day. Building on it would be taking away one of the places where kids can go and play.”

She added: “There is a lot of wildlife there and every now and again you see deer from Seven Acres country park. Also, our street can’t take any more traffic.”

The plans include 70 car parking spaces and an access road to serve 20 twobedroom homes and 30 three-bedroom homes.

In the planning documents, Great Places says 50 per cent of the homes would be available for local people.

The company added: “It has been proven there is a tremendous shortfall of affordable housing within Bolton.

“The development site is currently underutilised and has the potential to continue to serve the local community beyond passive, infrequent recreation.”

Chief executive Stephen Porter said: “We have been working with Bolton Council for more than a year on these plans to help deliver much-needed homes to rent for local people.

“We have been in regular contact with council officials to make sure the proposals meet the necessary planning guidelines and we have also held a public consultation event for local people to give us their views as part of the planning process.”