PLANS for a new 140-home estate on the site of the current Bolton College campus in Victoria Road, Horwich, have been lodged with Bolton Council — prompting fears that Horwich could become swamped with housing.

The application comes hot on the heels of plans to build 1,700 homes on the site of the former Horwich Loco Works.

Leader of Horwich Town Council, Cllr Kevan Helsby said: “It just seems to be housing and more housing — it makes you worry about the future of Horwich.

“I haven’t seen any plans for shops, schools or healthcare facilities and that is not to mention yet more pressure on the local transport network.”

Developers Bowsall Ltd has applied for permission to redevelop the site — which will be vacated in the summer, with the college relocating to new town centre facilities.

If approved, Bowsall plan to build a range of homes including apartments, as well as two, three and four-bedroom houses on the brownfield site.

The application states an agreement that 15 per cent of the properties will be classed as affordable housing.

The site currently consists of college buildings, a car park and a green space for recreation.

Last week, a fiery town council meeting saw scores of residents protesting about the possible implications of the 1,700-home Rivington Chase blueprint.

Horwich resident Kieran Morris, aged 32, of Owsten Court, said: “The traffic at the moment isn’t great, at rush hour it can be tricky but god knows what it will be like if both of these developments go ahead.”

Cllr Helsby also bemoaned the potential loss of another of Horwich’s leisure areas, adding: “Why not keep part of it as playing fields? It is a shame to see more recreational facilities going.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Bolton Council’s Core Strategy sets out our approach to releasing open space for development, and also the location for much needed new housing development, especially affordable housing.

“Under government rules the council must have a five year supply of available land for housing development at all times.”

No one at Bowsall Ltd was available for comment.