COUNCILLORS have approved plans for 114 affordable homes to be built in Breightmet.

The two separate applications — for 44 homes on land in Milnthorpe Road and for 70 homes at land in Waggon Road, Winchester Way and Mobberley Road — were made by Great Places Housing Group, They were given the go-ahead at Bolton Council’s planning committee after councillors heard that 24,000 people are waiting for affordable homes in Bolton.

Ten of the homes at the Waggon Road site will be bungalows for over-55s, with the remaining 60 sold as two and three bedroom affordable homes.

The 44 homes off Milnthorpe Road will be socially rented at affordable rates.

Residents who had campaigned against the Waggon Road proposals reacted angrily to the decision and said they want to appeal against it.

A petition with 86 signatures, and letters from five residents, were handed in to the council opposing the Waggon Road plans and resident Shaun Lewis spoke against the plans at the meeting.

He said children who used the area would have nowhere to go and wildlife, including bats and deer, would be affected. He also raised concerns about extra traffic.

After the meeting, campaigner Beverley Roscoe said residents were “very angry” with the decision and hoped to appeal.

She added: “Everyone is really disgruntled and feels really disappointed about what has happened. We want to fight this decision.”

There were 24 signatures on a petition against the Milnthorpe Road plans and four letters of objection from residents, with concerns about the effect of the development on trees and ancient hedgerows.

Cllr Lynda Byrne, ward councillor for Breightmet, said she had “every sympathy” with the residents, but there was a need for affordable homes.

She added: “Sadly there is a massive shortage of affordable homes and mortgages are out of reach for many young people.”

Councillors voted to approve both applications, but Cllr Nick Peel criticised Great Places which, he said, could have “given something back” to the local community.

He added: “I hope that our social housing providers learn from these applications and try to get involved in the community as much as possible in the future.

“Social providers need to be giving something back to the residents when they do a scheme like this.”