A PUBLIC inquiry has decided that a controversial development of 110 houses can go ahead in Blackrod.

Following the decision, Bolton West MP Chris Green has slammed the council for withdrawing all of its objections on the final day of the inquiry.

The council’s planning committee had originally rejected the plans by Manchester firm Hollins Strategic Land (HSL) to build the homes on a green field site in Hill Lane after hearing vocal opposition from local residents.

The developer appealed the decision and the public inquiry was held last month.

On the final day of the hearing, the council’s lawyers decided to withdraw the authority's objection to the development in order to save on legal costs.

The Planning Inspector has now agreed with HSL’s argument that the proposals would deliver social and economic benefits to the area and that new houses are needed.

Tory MP Mr Green has condemned Bolton Council for its actions during the tribunal.

He said: “This is a sad day for Blackrod – local people were unanimous that this development is completely unsuitable for the village. The fact that Bolton Council didn’t stand up for local people and withdrew all their objections shows how little they care about our area.

“With the huge development at Horwich Loco Works, our side of the Bolton borough is doing more than its fair share.

He added that he is now “extremely concerned” that the decision will set a precedent that could mean more green fields in Bolton West — such as at Lee Hall in Westhoughton, the subject of another application — will be lost to housing.

Labour’s Horwich and Blackrod Cllr Anne Cunliffe, who also spoke out against the plans hit back at Mr Green, laying the blame at the door of the Government Planning Inspector.

She said: “I, as one of the elected representatives for Horwich and Blackrod, backed the local people 100 per cent in their opposition to the application. This was backed up unanimously by the Labour members of the planning committee, and it was duly refused.

“It is the Inspector, appointed by Mr Green’s Conservative Government that has overturned the locally elected councillors’ decision, and has caused outrage amongst Blackrod residents.”

She said the Tory MP should be questioning the Government over a “disgraceful planning vicious circle,” adding: “Developers are allowed to sit on allocated housing land, not develop it and then put in applications for greenfield sites with the argument that not enough houses are being built. Any right thinking person would know that this is totally perverse.”

A spokesman for HSL said: “The appeal in Blackrod for 110 dwellings has been allowed following a successful argument against Bolton Council that the proposals would deliver significant social and economic benefits in a sustainable location. The related policies were out-of-date following a full assessment of housing land supply.”