ALMOST 100 new homes could be built as part of an ‘extension’ to the iconic Last Drop Village development in Bromley Cross.

Jones Homes, part of the Emerson Group that acquired the Last Drop Village hotel and leisure complex earlier this year, has submitted proposals for the major new housing area on land which is open protected green space next to the site.

If approved, 98 homes will be built on two parcels of land either side of Haydock Lane, which is the road approaching the hotel.

The developer said the new homes will ‘compliment and strengthen’ the village concept, which is based on a group of original farm buildings in Hospital Road and includes a range of shops and a pub as well as the hotel and spa.

But local residents and politicians have reacted angrily to the proposals, suggesting that the local transport network will not be able to cope with the number of new houses and expressing concern about the potential loss of open space.

Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “Until we get massive investment in our infrastructure in Bromley Cross, I simply cannot support house building on this scale.

“There are two small roads out of Bromley Cross that are already clogged up. We have trains that are overflowing with passengers — this is the reality.

“The community will stand together against this development, and we will fight this application as we have fought others before.”

Cllr Greenhalgh added that he and the community are grateful of the recent investment in the Last Drop — but don’t want it to be ‘ruined’ by being surrounded by housing.

Phil Dawson. who lives close to the site, said: “As a Bromley Cross resident all of my life, I am sick to death of our village no longer being a village.

“Developers must stop or we will have no green areas left. I live less than 150 yards from the Last Drop and I have had no information on the intended development.”

Residents have also been expressing their concerns about the plans on the Bromley Cross Village facebook page.

Liz Dearden said: “Bromley Cross has had significant housing development over the years with no corresponding road improvements, leading to a gridlocked village at key times.

“This will just add to the problem and ruin one outstanding feature in the area.”

Jan Barnett added: “This is a field that local people use for dog walking, leisure activities, bee keeping and children at play. This makes no commercial or local planning sense but the planning process will probably allow it in the end.”

The Emerson Group is the development firm behind major local schemes such as the Middlebrook Retail Park, the Smithills Coaching House regeneration and ongoing plans to build 1,800 homes on the former Horwich Loco Works.

Emerson bought the 128-bed hotel site for more than £4 million in January and said it is investing ‘substantially’ in refurbishing the hotel, which in part dates back to the 18th century.

The new housing scheme is part of that overall investment package, with Emerson intent on restoring the area as a ‘premier tourism and leisure destination’.

If plans are approved, the 98 new properties would include a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses along with some one and two bed apartments.

The new houses would generally be two storeys high, with one ‘feature’ three storey building.

The proposals also includes about 2,800 sq m of open space at the entrance to the site, as well as a further 2,350 sq m of open space near to a protected area of woodland in the eastern corner.

There will also be new footpath links and a 1.8 metre dry stone wall built along the length of Haydock Lane.

Each new house will be designed in a ‘bespoke’ manner and aimed at reflecting the look of the original village buildings.

A Jones Homes spokesman said: “We have submitted a planning application for a new residential development and are working with the council to ensure that the properties proposed meet the requirements of local home buyers and to assist with the acknowledged shortfall of new homes in Bolton, whilst creating a scheme that enhances this well known site.

“The Emerson Group, of which Jones Homes are a member is investing substantially in the future of the Last Drop Village, with an ongoing programme of improvements to the hotel, restaurant, spa and conference facilities.”