THREE hundred residents have signed a petition against plans to build nearly 80 homes on land in Farnworth.

Gleeson Homes is proposing to create the new housing estate on open space at Blindsill Road — but locals say the land should remain as recreation space for youngsters.

An online petition launched by local resident Hazel Webster has now gathered 500 signatures.

She said: “There are very few green spaces in the area where these houses are planned to be built and this is a valuable place where our children can play, and where children from this community have played for generations.”

She also suggested that protected species such as bats and great crested newts are living on the land, adding: “It is very important to preserve this land for that reason if nothing else.”

If it gets permission, Gleeson intends to build 19 two-bedroomed houses, eight four-bedroomed houses and 50 three-bedroomed on the space — which is bounded by Macdonald Avenue, Gorton Street, Ramsay Avenue and George Street and used to house a skate park.

The plans have already been criticised by Farnworth Councillor Noel Spencer as they do not include any affordable housing.

Ms Webster believes the land should instead be developed as an improved recreation area for children.

She said: “We feel that the land should remain an area to be enjoyed by local children.

“A more practical and community-centred use of the land would be for the council to invest funds into this area and redevelop it into a safer environment.

“This could include a play area and possibly even a local centre or youth club for children and teenagers to go to and participate in activities, rather than hanging around the streets with nothing to do due to lack of provision.”

A Gleeson spokesman said: “The site is allocated for housing in the council’s allocations plan.

“The delivery of this site will contribute to the council’s identified housing requirement and meet strategic objectives in terms of the wider regeneration of Farnworth.

To contribute to the petition, visit change.org/p/bolton-council-petition-against-proposed-residential-development-on-land-off-blindsill-rd-new-bury