PLANS to build up to 300 houses on open land in Westhoughton have been criticised by councillors.

Developers Persimmon Homes want to create the large housing estate on a 45 acres site at Lee Hall, between Platt Lane and Manchester Road and plan to submit a planning application early in the new year.

The outline plans were explained to Westhoughton Town Council — with councillors united in their objections to the scheme.

The land is owned by Peel Holdings but Persimmon have an option to build on it.

The councillors’ objections stem from the fact that the homes do not form part of the borough's housing allocation plan and so are seen as “unnecessary”.

Cllr David Wilkinson said: “It is just a stupid planning application and there is just no need for it — the allocation plan said that Bolton has enough land set out for development.

“If Bolton Council approves this then they may as well rip their policies to shreds and knock down the town hall because it is not in the core strategy and it achieves nothing.”

As well as housing, the outline application includes plans for public open space, a children’s play area and access routes at Platt Lane and the Chequerbent Roundabout.

Also incorporated within the proposal is a corridor of “safeguarded land” which is intended to protect a route for a potential future link road between Westhoughton and Atherton.

The developers have said that the Lee Hall site provides an opportunity to contribute to the “acknowledged under-supply of new homes in the borough”.

Adele Snook, strategic land director for Persimmon Homes North West, said: “It is a logical and sustainable location and one which we believe has good accessibility to public transport, shops and services in Westhoughton.”

Westhoughton Town Council leader Cllr David Chadwick said: “This is Westhoughton under threat again and I definitely think it is wrong.

“I know the residents will have a strong reaction to this — they are sick to death of being built upon.”

A public consultation has now been planned to allow local residents to find out more about the proposals and offer their own opinions.

It will be held on Tuesday, November 25, at Carnegie Hall in Library street from 1pm until 8pm.

The full proposals for the project can be viewed at leehallwesthoughton.co.uk where people can submit comments.

Views can also be sent into Mosaic Town Planning, Lowry House, 17, Marble Street, Manchester M2 3AW.