GREYHOUND racing in Bolton could be a thing of the past if plans are approved to transform the borough’s track into 38 homes.

Landowner Ian Holden, of Sparkle Developments Ltd, has applied to change the use of Westhoughton Greyhound Stadium into a residential development.

The application is for 24 four-bedroom homes, four two-bedroom homes and 10 three-bedroom homes.

An additional four car parking spaces would be added to the 90 spaces already at the Wigan Road site.

The proposals come more than a year after greyhound racing enthusiast Kevin Brown, from St Helens, took over the running of the stadium.

He told The Bolton News shortly after taking over the track that he hoped to put Westhoughton on the map and was taking on the role due to his love of the sport.

He has a lease to run the track until January next year.

Mr Brown, from St Helens, declined to comment on the plans, but said: “Westhoughton is one of two flapping (independent) tracks left in the North West along with Ellesmere Port.

“I took on the greyhound track for the love of the sport. I have never had a wage.”

He said the stadium is still popular with more than 100 people attending on a Sunday.

Mr Brown took over the stadium after entrepreneur Jason Seddon, who had a 20-year lease of the site, abandoned ambitious plans to give it a £100,0000 revamp.

Bolton’s greyhound track at Raikes Lane closed in 1996, 69 years after it opened in 1927.

Despite campaigns to bring a new stadium to the town by the Bolton Greyhound and Motor Sport Alliance, another facility has never opened.

It is believed interest has been expressed from residents keen to purchase homes on the site if it is given the go-ahead.

Cllr David Wilkinson, a member of Westhoughton Town Council, said: “I have to express serious concerns about the plans.

“As far as I am aware it is a large site within the green belt and if we are going to protect the green belt it should be refused.”

He added: “We don’t need any more mega fantasy houses — we need houses for people.”